Royal Ascot 2025: Frankie Dettori SUDDENLY MAKES AN UNUSUAL DECISION, Ryan Moore JUST SET A HISTORICAL RECORD THAT SHOCKS THE HORSE RACING WORLD
The 2025 edition of Royal Ascot has already become one of the most unforgettable seasons in the history of horse racing, not only for the electric atmosphere and intense competition but also for two shocking stories involving two of the sport’s biggest icons: Frankie Dettori and Ryan Moore. The contrast between their recent headlines has left fans stunned, and the entire horse racing world is still buzzing from the impact.
In a move that absolutely no one saw coming, Frankie Dettori, the beloved Italian jockey known for his flamboyant flying dismounts and glittering career spanning more than three decades, has announced that he will not participate in the final three days of Royal Ascot 2025. Dettori, who had originally been expected to make a grand farewell tour throughout the entire festival, cited “personal reflections on my future in racing” as his reason. While he stopped short of confirming retirement, many experts believe that this is effectively the beginning of the end for Dettori’s legendary career. His sudden withdrawal has triggered an emotional response from fans, with thousands flocking to social media expressing disbelief, frustration, and heartbreak. For someone who has become synonymous with Royal Ascot, this unexpected decision has left a deep void.
Yet while Dettori’s absence brings a bittersweet note to the festival, Ryan Moore has delivered a moment of pure historical brilliance that has already been described as one of the greatest achievements in modern racing. On the very same day Dettori made his announcement, Moore secured his 80th career win at Royal Ascot, officially breaking the all-time jockey wins record at the festival. It’s a staggering accomplishment that places Moore in a league of his own, surpassing legends like Lester Piggott and Pat Eddery. The record-breaking win came aboard Aidan O’Brien’s talented colt Imperial Legend in the Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes, a fittingly prestigious race for such a monumental achievement.
What makes Moore’s record even more astonishing is the manner in which he has achieved it—quietly, without drama, and with the relentless professionalism that has defined his career. While Dettori has often been the showman, Moore has preferred to let his results speak for themselves. And now, with his name officially written in the history books of Royal Ascot, there can be no denying that Ryan Moore has elevated himself to the absolute pinnacle of flat racing.
As the festival continues, the juxtaposition of Dettori’s emotional departure and Moore’s historic triumph has created a Royal Ascot unlike any other. It’s a meeting defined by endings and new beginnings, nostalgia and glory. For fans, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions, but for the sport of horse racing, it’s a reminder of its ability to produce moments of shock, wonder, and unforgettable drama. Royal Ascot 2025 has truly become a chapter of history.
