Veteran jockey Frankie Dettori is set to make the final Royal Ascot appearance of his career and the 52-year-old has vowed to go out on top, admitting he does not want to end up like football legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo is currently playing for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League after his second stint at Manchester United came to an acrimonious end, with the Portuguese superstar's contract terminated by mutual consent following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
And Dettori, who is an Arsenal fan, told BettingSites.co.uk: "I'd rather go out at the top. Look at Cristiano Ronaldo. In his last few games for Manchester United as a player, before he went to Saudi Arabia, he was probably not as excited or as on top of his game as he was at Man Utd in his glory days, or even his first season returning to Old Trafford.
"I wouldn't want to end like that. You are only one fall away from stopping, and at my age when I do fall, I break. In the old days I used to have 1200 rides a year, now it's probably 250.
"The more rides, the more chance you have of falling off. I am still unsure exactly where the curtain will come down on my career but I can say for certain that my last rides in Britain will be on October 21 at Ascot on British Champions Day.
"Come what may, that's me done in Europe. Which continent and whether I actually finish at the Breeders' Cup in Los Angeles, Melbourne Cup or Japan Cup, I am not sure."
Dettori also branded Royal Ascot the "Olympics of racing" and the "biggest and best week of my year". He is the meeting's most successful active jockey, having ridden 77 winners and been named top jockey on seven occasions.
"Royal Ascot is my favourite place in the world without question," he added. "It is like the Olympics of racing, but the difference is it takes place every year. I love everything about Royal Ascot but in the week before I always get the same combination of nerves and excitement.
"It is the biggest and best week of my year, I know that 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.
"It has been lucky for me in the past and I have enjoyed considerable success. I feel comfortable, positive and excited every time I go. I can't believe this year will be the last time ever."
