Long-time Melbourne Cup bridesmaid Frankie Dettori reveals latest retirement plans

Legendary jockey Frankie Dettori has announced his plans to retire from race riding after a career that spanned across almost four decades.

The 54-year-old Italian dominated overseas and was named the British Champion jockey on three occasions, while riding a grand total of 287 Group 1 winners.

Dettori competed 17 times in the Lexus Melbourne Cup, finishing runner-up in three of them with Central Park (1999), Max Dynamite (2015) and Master Of Reality (2019, relegated to fourth on protest) but was never able to take out the iconic race.

READ MORE: The towering figure who brought Reynolds' wife back from the brink

READ MORE: Red Bull's itchy trigger finger as ghost of Ricciardo lurks

READ MORE: Warner backflips on Konstas debate as old teammate firms

His last chance of claiming victory at Flemington was dashed two years ago when he was suspended for whip use from a race overseas.

Dettori originally intimated he would retire in 2023, but has since moved from riding in Europe to plying his trade in the United States.

In a statement via social media, Dettori revealed that his career would come to an end after the Breeders' Cup and a brief stint in South America.

"It has been an honour to compete at the highest level of this sport for over four decades," he said via X on Thursday morning (AEDT).

"I'm deeply grateful to my family, the owners, trainers, stable staff and of course, the supporters who have made my career possible.

"From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this incredible journey."

Dettori received an honorary MBE for his contributions to the sport in 2001.

His most famous moment came in 1996 when he rode all seven winners on the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes card at Royal Ascot.