25 April 2023 , 13:25
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Frankie Dettori was left "gobsmacked" when he was confronted by a giant mural of the superstar jockey at Epsom racecourse.
The 52ft by 23ft artwork celebrating the Italian’s extraordinary career was unveiled at the home of the Derby which staged its first race meeting of 2023 on Tuesday.
The first of its kind in horse racing, it depicts the 52-year-old in the colours of his 2015 Derby winner Golden Horn. Commissioned by the Jockey Club and created by art specialist MurWalls it has has been installed on the side of the Duchess Stand.
Dettori announced at the end of last year that 2023 would be his last season in the saddle, bringing to a close a career which has spanned almost 40 years.
He said: “It was a big surprise. I was quite embarrassed when I first saw it, actually. I love it. It is amazing, I'm gobsmacked really. Marc and the team at MurWalls have done a great job.
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"It's the young me and the older me. It was my biggest thrill in my racing career - the Derby in 2015 on Golden Horn. I'm glad it is there forever now. It looks great.
"I have mixed feelings. It's the end of an era, and it's nice to be recognised with something as big as this. Epsom is a special place for me. I've had some great memories, lots of nice winners - two Derby wins, five Coronations, five Oaks. It's been a good stamping ground for me.
"To be honoured with something like this at one of the most famous racetracks in the world is quite something."
Dettori will have one more shot at trying to win the Derby again in June before he hands up his saddle with Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot on October 21 set to be his last day riding in Britain.
Frankie Dettori has been honoured with a giant mural at Epsom racecourse (John Hoy/The Jockey Club)"I'm trying to enjoy every moment,” he said. “That's why I gave myself plenty of time to enjoy it. I gave myself a year, or more of less, when I announced it in December.”
Dettori’s most memorable moments at Epsom Downs include two wins in the Derby with Authorized (2007) and Golden Horn (2015) and six in the Oaks.
Epsom general manager James Crespi said: “ We hope that this serves as a fitting tribute to a sporting great.”