Horse racing legend Frankie Dettori has announced he will retire at the end of the 2023 season.
Dettori, 52, has confirmed the next campaign will be his last as a jockey, bringing to an end a glittering career that has seen over 3000 winners worldwide.
The Italian has enjoyed a distinguished career in the sport, winning Champion Jockey on three separate occasions, and famously rode all seven winners on Champions' Day at Ascot in 1996.
He will return to the famous course on Saturday October 21 in what will be his final meeting in Britain, before heading to the States for the Breeders' Cup.
He started out as a teenager with his first UK winner in 1987 and has continued at the top of the sport ever since, being regarded by many as the finest jockey the sport has seen.
Dettori confirmed the news to ITV Sport and revealed he had consulted his father and fellow former jockey Gianfranco before making the decision.
"It has been very difficult because my heart wants to carry on riding but I had to use my brain," he said.
"I want to stop at the top and be competitive enough to give myself, owners and my horses justice next year. I am still in the bracket of being good but it is the right time
"I spoke to dad at length, he stopped at 51. He was very supportive. My wife and children were delighted because they didn't see me for 33 years!
"I hope I can finish my career on a big note and in one piece."
Dettori went on to suggest he wants to bow out at the top before making reference to football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who has seemingly struggled to come to terms with time catching up on him.
"I am not making comparisons but look at Ronaldo. He was playing one minute and he was on the bench next. I don't want to end up like that," Dettori added.
"I don't want to be struggling to ride in the big races. I still have good horses to ride and I want to finish it like that.
"It is going to be emotionally draining but I am looking at it in a positive way and make it a celebration."
AP McCoy led the tributes to Dettori, saying: "The hardest thing is knowing when to stop and Frankie is going out at the top. He is racing's Lionel Messi. You can't teach a kid to ride like Frankie Dettori."
