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

Frankie Dettori's farewell tour moves on to South America this week, although there has been a change of plan for where his glittering career, which includes two wins in the Derby and six in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, will finish early next year.

The world-renowned jockey, who did a U-turn on his original retirement plans in 2023 by relocating from Britain for a successful stint in the US, is set to ride in three countries across the continent before hanging up his saddle for good.

Dettori had said at the Breeders' Cup that the Chilean Derby at Valparaiso Sporting in February would be his final farewell. However, it appears that race is not on his radar now and he will instead retire in Brazil.

Where is Dettori's farewell tour taking him?

Dettori's first stop is Argentina, where he will ride at San Isidro in the capital, Buenos Aires, this Saturday. He has ridden in the country before, at Palermo back in 2008.

Jockeys and horses on the training track at San Isidro Credit: Juan Mabromata/AFP via Getty Images

He will then cross the Rio de la Plata to Uruguay for the country's biggest race, the Grade 1 Gran Premio Internacional Jose Pedro Ramirez, which takes place on January 6 at Maronas in the capital, Montevideo.

Gavea, Brazil's most celebrated racecourse, sits in the shadow of Christ the Redeemer

For the final hurrah it will be Brazil, rather than the initial plan of Chile, where Dettori completes his record-breaking career. While an exact date has not been confirmed yet, according to Argentine racing publication Turf Diario he will be at Gavea racecourse in Rio de Janeiro – arriving on February 2 or 3 –  for a celebration in his honour.

The view from Christ the Redeemer at night, with Gavea racecourse on the rightCredit: Flavio Veloso/Brazil Photos/LightRocket via Getty Images

Gavea is said to be one of the most picturesque tracks in the world, overlooked by the Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the new seven wonders of the world.

What is the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini?

Dettori's adventure in Argentina is no holiday, as he will be riding on one of the country's most prestigious racedays – and in the big race itself.

The Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini is a Grade 1 over a mile and a half and branded as South America's equivalent to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. It takes place on a left-handed turf track, which is European in style.

The Carlos Pellegrini was first run in 1887 and is worth ARS500,000,000 (£261,000). The card also features other Grade 1 contests in the Copa de Plata, Joaquin S de Anchorena and Felix de Alzaga Unzue.

Joao Moreira: Brazilian superstar also expected to be riding in the Gran Premio Carlos PellegriniCredit: Masakazu Takahashi

Dettori is set to ride El Pulque in the big race, but he will not be the only global star jockey taking part. Joao Moreira bids for his first win in it and he has been specifically booked to partner leading Brazilian hope Obataye.

The Carlos Pellegrini is a 'win and you're in' contest for the 2026 Breeders' Cup Turf at Keeneland.

How is Argentina preparing for Dettori's arrival?

The country's racegoers are gearing up to give Dettori a classic, extravagant South American welcome on his return there.

Pablo Carrizo, spokesperson for San Isidro racecourse, said: "It's very exciting to have a world-renowned figure like Frankie competing in the most important horse race in Argentina and South America. It's a wonderful opportunity for us to have him close to the fans, as he's a true celebrity. 

"We're eager for his arrival and we know that people will welcome him with all their affection and warmth, just as Frankie will do in return. In Argentina, many people don't know much about international horseracing, but everyone knows Frankie and the worldwide fame that accompanies him.

"The day draws tens of thousands of fans, and the one with the biggest attendance. Adding Frankie to that is an extra incentive, and surely many more fans will come to see a world-renowned figure like him."

Brazilian jockey Jorge Ricardo salutes racegoers at San Isidro in Buenos AiresCredit: Gustavo Duprat

Carrizo believes Dettori could be perfectly suited to the course, and is hoping that Saturday may see him delight his South American fans with one of his renowned acts.

"We hope he can win to perform his world-famous flying dismount," he said. "This would be unforgettable for the Argentine public and a moment we'd cherish forever.

"San Isidro is a very European track with wide turns, uphill and downhill straights, and with plenty of room to manoeuvre. It's an ideal track for Frankie. The best horses from Argentina and Brazil will be running, but Frankie's horse has a relatively good chance against a very demanding field."

What has Dettori said about it?

His final dance may be far away from where he enjoyed some of his greatest moments, but Dettori is eager to leave his mark on South American racing.

He told Turf Diario: "For a long time people have been asking me to come ride in South America, but my commitments never allowed it. Now felt like the right moment to give back that affection with a farewell tour, and the fact that we are about to make it happen means the world to me.

Frankie Dettori: "Now felt like the right moment to give back that affection with a farewell tour"Credit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

"I’m excited to be going there, to give the public my very best, and to thank them for all the love they’ve shown me over the years."

Read more:

Frankie Dettori: 'I feel numb! It's been a tremendous journey and I will finish it in the Chilean Derby next year'

'It took me a year and a half to stop panicking' - what comes next for Frankie Dettori, according to those closest to him 

'It’s been very colourful and I did something that I loved' - Frankie Dettori reflects on his career and explains retirement decision 

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