Frankie Dettori: For sure I will cry after my final race at Royal Ascot

Given the capricious nature of the sport, there are few certainties in horse racing, but one thing can almost be guaranteed; Frankie Dettori will shed a tear when he dismounts for the last time at Royal Ascot.

The ebullient swashbuckling Italian says so himself as he prepares for his swansong at the five-day Festival which starts Tuesday and which has provided him with some of the highlights of his glittering career.

“The first four days will be OK, lots of waving, kissing and hugging and I hope a few flying dismounts,” said Dettori, who for many people is the face of racing. “But the last day will hit me hard. My wife and kids will be there. For sure I will cry.”

It should come as no surprise given his affection for a place he describes as the Olympics of racing.

“Royal Ascot is my favourite place in the world without question. I love everything about it, the tradition, the royal procession, everyone in top hat and tails.

“I come alive there and I’m in a different zone. It lifts me every time! And this year will be so special because it will be my last ever Royal Ascot.

“I can’t believe this year will be the last time ever.”

Royal Hunt Cup-winning jockey Frankie Dettori alongside Godolphin owner Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum after Dettori rode Godolphin horse Invisible Man to victory on Day 2 of Royal Ascot on June 16, 2010. Shutterstock

That said, the build up to the meeting will not have been different to past years for Dettori who rode his first winner there in 1990 on MarkofDistinction.

“In the week before I always get the same combination of nerves and excitement. But if I can get a winner on the board on the first day, I can relax and everything will flow.

“You go to the last day without a winner and all