Frankie Dettori to leave Godolphin as retained jockey

Jockey Frankie Dettori is not being retained by the world famous Godolphin stable - which has it's UK base in Newmarket - but will continue to ride for them as a freelance.

The decision means the end of one of an eighteen year association between Dettori and Godolphin, who enjoyed many high profile successes together in flat racing across the globe.

Dettori, from Stetchworth near Newmarket, rode more than 100 Group one winners for the racing outfit, founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, including nine British classics.

Speaking on their official website, Godolphin's racing manager, Simon Crisford, said: “We have had a tremendous association with Frankie over many years. He has achieved so much on behalf of Godolphin and has made the difference between winning and losing on so many occasions in the world’s biggest races.

“However, Frankie is looking for a fresh challenge and we felt that the retainer was not really working so this is the best way forward.

"He remains a great friend – the difference next year will be that he will not be our retained jockey and will operate as a freelance instead.”

Dettori said: “Godolphin has been a major part of everything I have achieved in racing and I have loved every minute of it. I feel the time has come for a change. My position in the stable has changed a little bit and I need a new challenge.

“Sheikh Mohammed has been an unbelievable boss to me. He had the confidence to take me on board when I was young and we smashed every record together".

Mickael Barzalona and Silvestre de Sousa will be Godolphin's retained riders for 2013.