FRANKIE DETTORI has apologised for branding a teenage rival a ‘disgrace’ in a furious post-race outburst.
And the legendary Italian jockey, 50, admitted: “I lost my temper. I shouldn’t have done it.”
Dettori – who recently revealed his battle against bulimia to Sun Racing – saw red after a ride on Stradivarius at Ascot last month.
Dettori finished third behind Hollie Doyle on winner Trueshan for the second year running but took exception to Dylan Browne McMonagle’s tactics on Baron Samedi.
In the heat of the moment, Dettori blasted: “It was a disgrace. The kid [Dylan Browne McMonagle on Baron Samedi] in front of me did everything possible to get me beat.”
But now the iconic rider – who lives a life of luxury off the course with ‘frightening Ferraris’ he keeps in a heated garage – has expressed remorse.
He told the Racing Post: “Listen, I lost my temper.
“I shouldn’t have done it but I did. In fairness, Dylan is a young jockey and he didn’t have too much experience around Ascot.
“He didn’t help my chances but it wasn’t his fault.
“When you’re upset and someone shoves a microphone in your face straight after a race, things might come out in a way they shouldn’t.
“I was surprised by the headlines it caused and I did ring Dylan and Joseph O’Brien to apologise.”
The Ascot Champions weekend proved a difficult one for Dettori, who was criticised for his ride on Palace Pier by trainer John Gosden.
The four-year-old has since been retired after going off 6-4 favourite but finishing second to 2-1 Baaeed in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.
Asked about Gosden’s comments, Dettori said: “John was probably right. I probably didn’t ride the best race on Palace Pier.
“I possibly did make a mistake. I should have kicked earlier.
“I was trying to do the right thing but I obviously did the wrong thing. It’s too late now. What is done is done.
“Crying about it won’t change the result.”
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