FRANKIE DETTORI will leave his family at home over Christmas when he flies to start a new venture in America.
The legendary Italian jockey, 51, said the decision to soak up the sun in California over the dark winter months was too good to turn down.
Dettori, whose loyal wife Catherine has been by his side throughout his career, said he discussed the idea with his family first.
And he said Catherine and their five children – Leo, Ella, Mia, Tallula and Rocco – were fully supportive.
Dettori, who said he could still be racing in America into next summer, told Nick Luck: “I’m going to spend the winter in California.