FRANKIE DETTORI will be riding solo after long-time agent Ray Cochrane called it a day.
The man who saved Dettori’s life has retired after a 20 year association that saw plenty of highs and lows throughout.
Derby-winning rider Cochrane retired from the saddle in 2000 due to back problems, five months after being involved in a light aircraft crash that claimed the life of pilot Patrick Mackey and led to Cochrane receiving the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery for pulling Dettori from the wreckage.
Cochrane then switched to become Dettori’s agent, but has decided to bow out after a hugely successful spell together.
He said: “You don’t get much time for yourself, I know that from when I was riding, and even when you’re an agent you’re basically living life on the clock.
“I’m 63 next month, I had my first job when I was nine and I’ve been working ever since.
“I’ve got five bikes and I race cyclo-cross in the winter, so I’d like to do more of that. I trained hard for it last winter and got a couple of places which was like riding a Derby winner!
“I’ve also got a half-acre allotment and a motor home that we can perhaps use more when this virus is over.”
Cochrane’s highlights in the saddle included victory in the 1988 Derby on Kahyasi, as well as Oaks and 1000 Guineas gold aboard Midway Lady in 1986.
He and Dettori have enjoyed many highlights throughout their partnership, but Cochrane pointed to the 2019 campaign as a particular peak.
He said: “We’ve had some unbelievable days – last season was amazing with 19 Group One winners. I’ve known Frankie a long time, we go back a long way and we’ve had some great days on and off the track.”
Dettori may not appoint a new agent now, with Cochrane adding: “I think he’s just going to look after himself as John (Gosden) is very well organised and he basically rides for him.
“He has a few spare rides – Mark Johnston usually has a couple of nice ones for him – but he mainly rides for John.”
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