'It has gone better than I thought it would' – Frankie Dettori opens up about his new life in the States

Frankie Dettori said his audacious move to the US has gone smoother than he ever expected and revealed that not being recognised everywhere he goes is a luxury he loves. 

The evergreen Italian will be reunited with his old buddy John Gosden when Emily Upjohn bids to follow in the footsteps of the mighty Enable by winning the Breeders’ Cup Turf on Saturday, and he admitted that his bold move away from Britain has recharged his batteries. 

Speaking from Del Mar on Wednesday, Dettori said: “I am enjoying what I'm doing, it has been a challenge but it was what I needed. It has gone better than I thought it would. Coming to America and taking on the Americans in their own backyard, not many people have done that. But my agent has done a great job. I’ve ridden for everyone, not just one single stable. It has been a very successful year.”

Frankie Dettori riding Emily Upjohn on the turf course on WednesdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

One of the big differences between Britain and America is Dettori's level of fame. Racing folk still drool over him in his new place of work, but the wider world in the States let him live a normal life.

“The only place I get recognised now is on the racetrack,” he said. ”It’s nice when you step away and you are just left to be a normal person. I don’t have to wear sunglasses and a hat like when I am walking through customs! It has been a lot of fun because that’s all new to me. 

“I’ve been to New York, New Jersey, California, Pennsylvania, Florida, Toronto; I’ve seen so much in the space of nine months. It has been great. It’s a challenge because we are moving around with eight suitcases! It’s been a challenge more for [Dettori's wife] Catherine rather than myself – I’ve got less clothes than her! But apart from Saratoga, where I was for six weeks, I don’t think I’ve been in the same place for more than a week. It’s fun, fun, fun.”

Frankie Dettori talks to John Gosden after riding Emily Upjohn on the turf course on WednesdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Riding Emily Upjohn in the Turf is sure to be fun, too, especially given how relaxed she has been in the mornings this week. 

Dettori said of the mare, who is now vying for favouritism at around 7-2: “We will probably do a little bit more with her tomorrow and inject some speed into her work. She was very relaxed today, which is the most important thing. Today was a very routine canter around. It’s been a long time since I rode her and it’s great to be back on her. 

“John called me last night and asked me to ride her work this morning, which is great. I haven’t ridden Emily for over a year; I think I was the last one to win on her and I was very excited to get the ride. The owners have been supportive of me and she has been very good to me. 

“John decided to roll the dice and take on the big boys in the Turf, and we are going to give it a good go.”

Frankie Dettori: will team up again with John GosdenCredit: Edward Whitaker

Dettori will be on board Newgate for Bob Baffert in the Classic, a race he famously won for Gosden 16 years ago on Raven’s Pass, and he thinks it will be fascinating to see how City Of Troy gets on and how he copes with his new surroundings. 

He said: “I was asked about City Of Troy yesterday and I really don’t know [how he will get on]. He's the best horse in Europe, we know that without a doubt. But it depends how he breaks, whether he takes to the kickback. I'm not going to speculate; it's not my ride and it’s not my horse. But I am interested to see how he goes. Everyone has got an opinion. I’m as curious as everyone watching. He is bringing something exciting to the race.”

When asked what he misses most about living back in Britain, Dettori said: “The football! I do watch it but it’s not the same when you are getting up at 7am to watch it. 

"I miss going to the games and, of course, I miss the big days and the big races, the Derby, the Arc. I was there for Royal Ascot, but I've moved on and I've got this challenge. I’m enjoying what I'm doing. The only thing that hasn’t changed is John, he’s still bossing me around, wanting me in work at 6.45am!”

Breeders' Cup Turf (9.01pm Del Mar, Saturday)

William Hill: 3 Rebel's Romance, 7-2 Emily Upjohn, 5 Luxembourg, 11-2 Jayarebe, 10 Wingspan, 12 bar.

Follow the Breeders' Cup with the Racing Post

Don't miss a moment of the Breeders' Cup with our live blogs running late into the evening on Friday and Saturday to keep you updated on all the action as it happens. 

Our man on the ground at Del Mar is David Jennings, who will be in California all week with the latest news and insight, while our resident US racing tipster Shane Ketteridge will bring you his Breeders' Cup Pricewise selections for each card in that day's Racing Post newspaper and online from 6pm the evening prior. 

Ensure you don't miss out on their expert insight by signing up to Racing Post Members' Club now!

Steaming Horses walk off the track at sunrise at Del MarCredit: Edward Whitaker

Read more here

John Gosden: 'If City Of Troy gets a clear run I doubt they'd catch him - I think he'd outclass them' 

Another big-race absentee for Aidan O'Brien as Ylang Ylang misses Breeders' Cup due to fever 

Who are the most likely British- and Irish-trained winners at the Breeders' Cup? 

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.