'I don’t want to embarrass myself. I want to put on a good show' - Frankie Dettori ready for first leg of final hurrah in Buenos Aires

Frankie Dettori is determined not to embarrass himself as he prepares for the first leg of his South American farewell tour, which begins on Saturday.

At a press conference at San Isidro racecourse on Tuesday, Dettori spoke about finally keeping his long-standing promise to visit a continent for the Group 1 Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini – which clashes with his birthday.

The jockey said: “For the last 20 years you have always asked me to come, but my birthday is on the 15th and I like to take a little break, so I’ve never had the opportunity to come. I promised that before I stopped I would come here, and I wanted to make that real.

“I have retired, but I'm here. So this is one last promise for me, and I didn’t expect to ride in the Pellegrini. It’s a great honour to be part of such a famous race.”

Frankie Dettori: turns 55 on MondayCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

The world-renowned rider had originally stated at the Breeders’ Cup that the Chilean Derby at Valparaíso Sporting in February would be his final appearance. However, plans have since changed, and he will now end his career in Brazil.

“I’ve been keeping myself fit as it’s my last chance to perform, and I don’t want to embarrass myself," he said. "I want to put on a good show. I’m just focusing on this last bit of my jockey career.”

The farewell tour has given the acclaimed rider the chance to come to terms with retirement, with his ambassador role for Amo Racing a key part of his ongoing involvement in the sport beyond the saddle.

He added: “I’m 55 on Monday, and the most scary thing for a sportsman is deciding what comes next. When this opportunity came to me, to become an ambassador for Amo Racing, it gave me peace of mind to stop and still be involved in horseracing in a different way.”

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The last dance: Frankie Dettori starts his farewell tour in South America this weekend - but with a new final destination 

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