FRANKIE DETTORI is taking on a brand new player-manager role in his bid to win the Racing League – with £2million on the line.
The world’s most famous jockey is bringing his career to a close this year.
Dettori was one of the stars of the show in last year’s Racing League – and he is back as a player-manager in 2023
But he will go all guns blazing when the revolutionary team competition returns on July 27.
Dettori will skipper team The East in the third renewal of the Racing League, after leading Wales & The West to victory last year.
The Italian takes over from commentator Rupert Bell, and will take on the likes of Sun Racing columnist and London & The South boss Matt Chapman.
Dettori said: “Racing League brings something different into racing and I’ve really enjoyed being part of it for the last two years.
“The format adds a fun element while still being ultra-competitive.
“I will be doing everything I can to be the first player-manager to win it!”
Former Newcastle striker Mick Quinn (The North), Jamie Osborne (Wales & The West), Leonna Mayor (Yorkshire), Linda Perratt (Scotland) and Kevin Blake (Ireland) are the other captains.
The jockey draft will take place at Doncaster on Saturday.
Seven riders will be selected for each team and a wildcard can be picked at any time during the competition.
Saffie Osborne, Jamie’s daughter, was crowned Racing League top jockey last year after a ridiculous 6,500-1 treble on the final night kicked Sean Levey off top spot.
The seven teams will compete in 42 races over six weeks with £2m in total prize money up for grabs.
The racing starts a Yarmouth before going onto Chepstow, Windsor, Newcastle, Wolverhampton and Southwell.
Jeremy Wray, Racing League CEO, said: “We first spoke with Frankie after last year’s competition, before he announced that this would be his last year riding, so we’re obviously thrilled that he has taken up the challenge of managing The East.
“Once again, we are delighted to have so many trainers involved which will make for another fiercely competitive and exciting spectacle.”
