The Italian-born superstar jockey Frankie Dettori, 52, had planned to retire at the end of the year, but pulled a U-turn Wednesday night when he told racing commentator Nick Luck that not only will he ride in 2024 but he plans to ride full-time in the U.S., beginning with the traditional opening day at Santa Anita, Dec. 26.

“I want to carry on a little bit longer in California, where I had such a lovely winter,” Dettori told Luck. “The dynamic of my year has changed so much. If I wasn't riding any winners or not riding in the big races it would have made my decision much easier but at this point I'm still feeling good and I want to get it out of my system.”

At the Santa Anita meet that began on Dec. 26, 2022 and ran through April 9, 2023, Dettori finished third in the rider's standings with 26 wins and won at an 18% rate. He won four stakes races.

“It's terrific news for the sport, the fans, and California racing, in particular,” said trainer Bob Baffert. “I can't wait to see more of his flying dismounts from my horses in the Santa Anita winner's circle.”

Dettori will again represented by agent Ron Anderson.

“Things have been in the works for a while,” Anderson said. “I think he was rejuvenated coming to California last year. He is obviously very well received all over the world but he liked California and wanted to continue on. He'll be there for opening day. I'm not saying this because he's my friend, but he's a breath of fresh air. He is so enthusiastic. That's Frankie. He's a different person altogether. Last year he called me on a Sunday night. He had won three races in California. He was so excited. I had to say to myself, 'Is this the same guy who has won six Arcs or is this a kid who just won his first race?' That's the way he sounded, like a kid who had just won his first race. That's Frankie. He's just different. I'm very excited to have him back. His riding was magical while he was in California. It's all good for everyone.”

Dettori is scheduled to ride in Great Britain for the final time Saturday in the Champions Day at Ascot. Afterward, he could ride in some international races outside of Europe and will be in the U.S. for the Breeders' Cup, which will be run at Santa Anita on Nov. 3 and 4. He will then return to Santa Anita for the Dec. 26 opener.

Dettori told Luck that “the dream is to find a horse for the Kentucky Derby.”

He has ridden in Derby just once, finishing eighth aboard China Visit (Red Ransom) in 2000. Last year, Baffert used him on a handful of 3-year-olds that were prospects for the GI Kentucky Derby, but none made it to the race.

So far as what Dettori does after the Kentucky Derby, he was non-committal.

When asked by the Racing Post if he might return to the U.K. following the Derby, he replied: “I accept that's a question but at the moment I can't see any further than the Kentucky Derby. My goal is to get a decent ride in that. I therefore can't answer the question yet.”

However, in his interview with Luck he made it clear that he was open to riding in the U.S. past the first Saturday in May.

“I want to travel, Kentucky, Florida, Saratoga, Del Mar, that's what I want to do, that's what excites me,” he said. “I'm going into uncharted waters.”

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Guest took home a cash prize of £10,000 and an additional £10,000 to be divided among her colleagues at the John O'Shea yard.

Earlier in the evening, Guest was also presented with the Leadership Award, carrying a £5,000 prize and a similar amount for the yard, meaning she and her coworkers each ended with £15,000 following the ceremony.

“Sarah is a richly deserving winner of this prestigious award and, despite the high quality of the finalists brought forward to this evening's ceremony, she was a stand-out selection to be named the Employee of the Year,” said Nick Luck, chair of the judging panel. “There can be no doubting the importance of Sarah to the John O'Shea operation, which was demonstrated to greatest effect during 2022 when John O'Shea was unwell. Sarah is a shining example of the sort of hard work and dedication that keeps yards up and down the country running, and we as an industry can be rightly proud of her dedication to ensuring the well-being of her colleagues and the horses in her care.”

The £30,000 awared to Guest and her colleagues was part of a total of £128,500 offered by Godolphin. The ceremonies were hosted by Francesca Cumani and were organised by the British Horseracing Authority in conjunction with Racing Post and Racing TV.

Prime Minister Sunak Pays Tribute

In a message, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recognised the hard work and dedication of those who work in the Thoroughbred industry across Britain.

Sunak, whose Richmond Parliamentary constituency includes Middleham training centre and Catterick Racecourse, said: “I am delighted that the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards are taking place in Yorkshire for the first time.

“From my visits to Middleham, and Catterick Raceourse, both in my constituency, I have seen the sheer hard work, grit and dedication of all in British racing for the horses in their care.

“Tonight's finalists exemplify all that is best about British racing and breeding–an industry which does so much for communities across our country, generates over £4 billion for our economy, and showcases Britain on the global stage.

“I want to see British racing and breeding stay at the front of this global race in the years ahead.

“I wish the best of luck and congratulations to all of tonight's finalists.

“Though, if I may be a bit partisan, I do hope that Becky Smith can do the double for Middleham after Paddy Trainor's victory last year!”

TIEA Finalists (winners in bold italic type)

David Nicholson Newcomer

Amy Grieve – Rose Dobbin

Ryan Kavanagh – Amy Murphy

Stephanie Wing – George Scott Racing

Leadership

Becky Smith – Micky Hammond

Jessica O'Keefe – Venetia Williams

Sarah Guest – John O'Shea

Rider/Groom

Amy Vickers – Harry and Roger Charlton

Emma Tully – Susan Corbett-Girsonfield Stud & Racing

Rita Gillies – Lucinda Russell

Stud Staff

Andrew Rawlin – Blue Diamond Stud

Bethan Byrne – Godolphin Management Co Ltd

Davina Burrows – Deerfield Farm

Dedication

Claire Ricks – Marco Botti

David Crofts – Marcus Tregoning

Patrick McConville – Hascombe & Valiant Stud Ltd

The Community Award (In recognition of the wonderful work Rory MacDonald achieved at The British Racing School)

Gay Kelleway – For her work supporting Ukraine

Jo Foster – Community racehorse visits

Margo Walsh – The Jockey Club

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David Nicholson Newcomer:

Amy Grieve – Rose Dobbin

Ryan Kavanagh – Amy Murphy

Stephanie Wing – George Scott Racing

Leadership:

Becky Smith – Micky Hammond

Jessica O'Keefe – Venetia Williams

Sarah Guest – John O'Shea

Rider/Groom:

Amy Vickers – Harry and Roger Charlton

Emma Tully – Susan Corbett-Girsonfield Stud & Racing

Rita Gillies – Lucinda Russell

Stud Staff:

Andrew Rawlin – Blue Diamond Stud

Bethan Byrne – Godolphin Management Co Ltd

Davina Burrows – Deerfield Farm

Dedication:

Claire Ricks – Marco Botti

David Crofts – Marcus Tregoning

Patrick McConville – Hascombe & Valiant Stud Ltd

The Community Award: (In recognition of the wonderful work Rory MacDonald achieved at The British Racing School)

Gay Kelleway – For her work supporting Ukraine

Jo Foster – Community racehorse visits

Margo Walsh – The Jockey Club

Julie Harrington, Chief Executive of the BHA, said, “I would like to congratulate all of this year's finalists on reaching this stage of the Awards. They, along with their families and colleagues, should feel very proud.

“I would also like to congratulate those who made the shortlists. This is a significant achievement in itself and a tribute to your dedicated and skilful work.”

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Julie Harrington, CEO of the BHA, said, “These new-look awards, which are made possible by the generosity of Godolphin, now provide the opportunity for a wider range of industry employees, across the full life cycle of the thoroughbred, to achieve this recognition. I would encourage everybody in our industry to nominate colleagues they would like to see celebrated.”

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Trainor will receive £10,000, with the same amount shared with his colleagues at Johnston Racing, as well as the Godolphin Trophy. Earlier in the night, Trainor, who has worked for Johnston Racing for 23 years, won the Rider/Groom Award and £5,000, with an equivalent amount once again split between Johnston Racing employees. An Industry Coach, Trainor works with less experienced members of the Johnston team to develop their skills and improve their knowledge of horse welfare.

The full list of winners are as follows:

Employee of the Year & Rider/Groom: Paddy Trainor – Johnston Racing Ltd.

David Nicholson Newcomer: Elouise O'Hart – Ed Walker

Leadership: Tom Messenger – Dan Skelton

Stud Staff: Dulcie West – North Farm Stud

 Dedication: Alyson West – James Ferguson

 Community (In recognition of the wonderful work Rory

 MacDonald achieved at The British Racing School):

Freedom Zampaladus – Urban Equestrian Academy

Julie Harrington, Chief Executive of the BHA, said, “Everybody nominated tonight has done their bit to make horse racing a better sport and for that we are all extremely grateful. Measures have remained in place on racecourses throughout the last 12 months to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 and, as has been the case throughout the pandemic, those impacted have adapted their working style admirably and ensured that our sport has continued uninterrupted since its resumption in June 2020.

“My heartfelt congratulations go to all of tonight's winners and nominees, in particular Paddy Trainor, and my thanks go to our sponsor Godolphin and the judging panel for their hard work.”

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David Nicholson Newcomer

Walter Fisher-Barnett – Paul Nicholls Racing
Ella Garland – Nick Gifford Racing
Jessica Barraclough – Jedd O'Keeffe Racing Ltd
Casey Finlay – Katie Scott
Lena Roccor – Hazelwood Bloodstock Ltd
Lorena Walsh – Lucinda Russell
Gina Gibson – Gary Moore
Jade Stewart – Nicholas Alexander
Elouise O'Hart – Ed Walker
Debbie Brodie – Godolphin Management Co Ltd

Leadership

Timothy Hogg – Jedd O'Keeffe Racing Ltd
Mark Billingham – Johnston Racing Ltd
Dave Kent – Brian Meehan
Aideen Marshall – James Ferguson
Kevin Brown – Fergal O'Brien/O'Brien McPherson Racing
Tom Ashley – John Gosden Ltd
Charlie Morlock – Nicky Henderson
Tom Messenger – Dan Skelton
Rebecca Struve – North Farm Stud
Jack Steels – Ed Walker

Rider/Groom

Paddy Trainor – Johnston Racing Ltd
Christina Berry – Grace Harris
Emma Tully – Susan Corbett – Girsonfield Stud & Racing
John Nicholson – Johnston Racing Ltd
Will Hodkinson – Kim Bailey Racing
Riyaz Patel – Stuart Williams
Benario (Ben) Goncalves de Paiva – John Gosden Racing Ltd
Emma Dunkley – Rose Dobbin
Callum Pittendreigh – Richard Fahey Racing
Wieslaw Filipowicz – Ed Walker

Stud Staff

Jack Conroy – Chasemore Farm
Noel Challinor – Northmore Stud
Rhiannon Firman – Aislabie Stud
Balazs Karoly Sipos – Hascombe And Valiant Stud
Fiona McGlone – Hascombe And Valiant Stud
Lucy Steel – Culworth Grounds Farm
Dianne Best – Cobhall Court Stud
Philippa Reynolds – Salcey Forest Stud
Dulcie West – North Farm Stud
Richard Heaynes-Corrick – Chapel Stud

Dedication

Sarah Peacock – Tom George
Volodtmyr Stepanyuk – Nick Gifford Racing
Joanna Cody-Boutcher – Philip Hobbs
Simon White – Henry Daly
Nicola (Nikki) Hazell – Jedd O'Keeffe Racing Ltd
Harvey Ewart – Johnston Racing Ltd
Karen Latchford – Simon Dow
Alyson West – James Ferguson
Simon Olley – Philip Kirby
Katrina Stanhope-White – Emma Lavelle Racing

Community (In recognition of the wonderful work Rory MacDonald achieved at The British Racing School)

Rosie Margarson – European Bloodstock News
Helen Wilson – Racing Welfare
Andrew Braithwaite – British Racing School
Clare Hill – Injured Jockeys Fund
Freedom Zampaladus – Urban Equestrian Academy
Margo Walsh – The Jockey Club
Jennifer Gates – Racing Welfare
Tallulah Lewis – UK Tote Group
Kevin and Pam Atkinson – New Beginnings
Carrie Ford – Racing To School

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The trainer spoke to the Racing Post about what he thought was the lowest point throughout this controversy: the loss of stars like Sir Gerhard and Quilixios from his barn.

As he watched those horses move on to other barns and then win at the Cheltenham Festival, Elliott reflected on his regrets about losing those horses.

“I had worked very hard to source those horses, and then they were gone,” he told Racing Post. “Just like that. When Envoi Allen was here, there wasn't a night I didn't lie in bed thinking about him. And now that he is gone, there still isn't a night I don't lie in bed thinking about him.”

In all, the trainer lost about a dozen horses from his yard in the course of his suspension, but the relationships with those owners remain cordial despite the controversy.

“I have never had a cross word with any of the owners who left,” he said. “I still speak to them all and the gate is always open. I understand completely why they had to go.”

Read more at the Racing Post.

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At Sandown Park in Surrey, U.K., Hurricane Ivor and Phoenix Star dueled through the final yards of the five-furlong handicap, flashing by that photo finish camera at the wire in what appears to be perfect synchronicity. The replay shows the two horses so close that a winner is difficult to discern. From the resulting photo, Sandown judge Jane Green declared Phoenix Star, the horse on the outside, the winner over Hurricane Ivor on the rail. The mirror image of the same photo showed a different result. Upon examination of both photos, the Sandown stewards nullified Green's ruling and declared the race a dead heat.

How is it possible that the photo finish camera could have captured what appears to be two different images in literally the same instant? The answer lies in the mirror.

“The issue is the mirror image, which is out of alignment. That's something that happens very rarely. You can see from the picture that the third and fourth don't line up on the line on the mirror image, either” Shawn Parker, head of the British Horseracing Authority's stewards, told the Racing Post. “We had to discard the mirror image and we couldn't separate the two horses on the normal image, the actual photo, so it's a dead-heat. We now need to hold an inquiry to determine why it happened.”

While RaceTech, the company responsible for photo finishes, attests to the proper alignment of the mirror and camera after an earlier inspection, it is possible that the mirror may have been knocked out of alignment afterwards. Bookmakers and bettors were frustrated with the miscalled photo finish, citing other issues with photo finishes at Sandown and other courses.

Read more at the Racing Post. 

Major drama

The result of the opening race at Sandown was changed on Saturday after the judge incorrectly called Phoenix Star the winner

— Racing Post (@RacingPost) July 3, 2021

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“Godolphin is delighted to continue its sponsorship of the Irish Stud and Stable Staff Awards and to help showcase the skills, experience and dedication of the hardworking people in our industry,” said Godolphin Ireland Managing Director Joe Osborne.

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Edmunds, Head Girl of Bryan Smart Racing and married to Smart's assistant trainer Kevin Edmunds, has worked at the yard for 17 years. She will receive £10,000 for herself and a further £10,000 will be shared among her colleagues at Bryan Smart racing. She also won the Leadership Award, which is another £5,000 for herself and £5,000 split between her fellow employees. Edmunds was viewed as a mentor and role model by her peers. Her ability to think outside the box and her empathy for her equine charges has made her a superb ambassador both inside her yard and for the sport as a whole.

The other category winners on the night were:

• Newcomer: Alice Price – Ben Pauling
• Leadership: Rebecca 'Beck' Edmunds – Bryan Smart
• Rider/Groom: Joanna Lacisz – Sir Michael Stoute
• Stud Staff: Elody Swann – Newsells Park Stud
• Dedication: Joline Saunders – Richard Phillips

There was also a special Community Award which was presented to Richard Phillips in recognition of the wonderful work Rory MacDonald achieved at The British Racing School. All told, £128,500 was awarded to the dedicated stud and stable staff of British racing. A celebratory event is being planned for the summer of 2021 to honour the evening's winners and nominees. For the full results, please visit: www.studandstablestaffawards.co.uk.

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