‘I won’t spend Christmas with them’ – Frankie Dettori to leave family for new racing venture in America over the winter

FRANKIE DETTORI will leave his family at home over Christmas when he flies to start a new venture in America.

The legendary Italian jockey, 51, said the decision to soak up the sun in California over the dark winter months was too good to turn down.

GettyDettori said he and loyal wife Catherine are in total agreement over his surprise winter trip to the US[/caption]

Dettori says his kids are a bit older now so they are not too bothered by him not being around for Christmas Day

Dettori, whose loyal wife Catherine has been by his side throughout his career, said he discussed the idea with his family first.

And he said Catherine and their five children – Leo, Ella, Mia, Tallula and Rocco – were fully supportive.

Dettori, who said he could still be racing in America into next summer, told Nick Luck: “I’m going to spend the winter in California.

“I’ll be in Santa Anita, where I started many years ago as a young boy.

“I have been going to Dubai for the winter over the past few years but this opportunity came up and I thought why not?

“I talked to my family, my wife – I will not spend Christmas with them.

Most read in Horse Racing

FIVER FLUTTER

This 25-1 outsider has been banging on the door and looks certain to go well

TEMPLEGATE’S TIPS

My NAP could be thrown in for William Haggas on handicap debut

ONE WON

Farcical one-horse race has punters fearing for the future of racing

FIVER FLUTTER

Bash the bookies with these tips including a massive 44-1 double at Carlisle

TEMPLEGATE’S TIPS

My NAP is a Grade 1 performer taking a big step down in class

CALLING IT A DAY

Former England ace Mick Channon brings glittering training career to end

“My kids are not young so they don’t really care about Christmas Day, all they want is a present… preferably money!

“I will go just before Christmas and ride on the opening day – which will be Boxing Day – in amazing races.

“I will spend a good chunk of the winter there then who knows?

“If you’re going to do it, do it properly.

“Who knows, I might find a nice three-year-old who heads to Churchill Downs for the first Saturday in May [for the Kentucky Derby].”

Dettori, who endured one of the most tumultuous years of his career this season after being dumped by John Gosden before quickly reuniting, says he has teamed up with top agent Ron Anderson.

He added: “I have had a lot of requests from trainers and I thought why not?

“I’ve gone back to Ron Anderson who is a top class agent and friend.

“I had a chat with him and he was willing to take me under his umbrella, he’s a good person to have on your side.

“I felt like in this stage of my career I have done Dubai a lot, I need a fresh challenge.

“I don’t want to look too far ahead. I will start from Boxing Day.

“I have left all my options open. My focus is to do well and we’ll take it from there.”

FREE BETS GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chases their losses
Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk

Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org