Frankie Dettori is making a significant move in his riding career, leaving California to set up in Florida starting Feb. 28. From there, he plans to ride at Keeneland this spring before deciding on a permanent summer base in the eastern U.S.

“It’s simply about seeking more opportunities,” Dettori’s agent, Ron Anderson, told Horse Racing Nation on Sunday. “I feel for everyone in California, but this move makes sense for Frankie.”

Anderson confirmed the decision in a social media post Sunday morning, adding, “I’m essentially starting fresh here. It’s the right time to make this transition and prepare for the rest of the year.”

Dettori, 54, has been a regular fixture at Santa Anita since late 2022, originally planning a farewell tour before extending his career. Despite Santa Anita’s recent reversal of purse cuts, declining field sizes in graded stakes races have limited opportunities for jockeys in Southern California.

So far this winter, Dettori has posted a record of 63: 10-5-5 at Santa Anita, ranking eighth in the jockey standings with $753,240 in earnings. His victories include Grade 1 success in the Malibu Stakes with Raging Torrent and Grade 3 wins aboard Mrs. Astor (Robert J. Frankel), Rashmi (Megahertz), and There Goes Harvard (San Marcos).

As for his summer plans, Anderson said Dettori has yet to decide between Kentucky and New York after Keeneland.

“That’s still up in the air,” Anderson said. “I’m leaning towards Kentucky, but nothing is set in stone yet.”