Frankie Dettori is one of the most instantly recognisable flat jockeys in the world of racing. Throughout his career, he has won all of the biggest races in the United Kingdom, which also includes wins in the 1,000 Guineas, 2,000 Guineas and the Epsom Derby.
In total, he has won over 3,000 races in the UK, and is one of the most celebrated jockeys of all-time, as he has helped the sport reach new levels throughout his career.
Legendary jockey Lester Piggott revealed that Dettori is the best jockey there is in the world. One example of his ability onboard horses was illustrated at British Champions’ Day in 1996 at Royal Ascot, as he remarkable won all seven races that took place on the day. His dominance in the sport continues to this day, as he now works freelancing for some of the leading owners and trainers.
What Are Dettori’s Most Notable Achievements?
- Seven consecutive winners at British Champions’ Day at Royal Ascot 1996.
- Epsom Derby winner 2007 onboard Authorized
- Over 3,000 winners in Great Britain.
- 3 x Champion Jockey
Frankie Dettori Personal Life
Dettori was born in Milan, Italy but now lives in the United Kingdom due to the number of rides that he has in the UK. His father was also a renowned jockey in his own right, as Gianfranco Dettori won the 2,00 Guineas and Benson & Hedges Gold Cup during his career.
Dettori lives in Stetchworth, which is near the HQ of British racing, Newmarket. He is married to Catherine. He also has five children. Dettori is a lover of all sports and is a huge supporter of Arsenal FC.
It hasn’t always been plain sailing for the jockey, as he has also suffered low points throughout his career. Dettori was also in the same aeroplane as Ray Cochrane when Patrick Mackey was killed following a crash. Dettori escaped serious injury but remained in the hospital for weeks.
He also had prized possessions stolen from his house in the summer of 2006, which included his MBE and three Japanese Gold Cups. Dettori was also banned from race for six months at the end of 2012 after he tested positive for a banned substance. However, he returned to the track with a winner at Sandown in June 2013.
Frankie Dettori’s Major Wins
Dettori has dominated many of the biggest races on the British racing calendar and has won the majority of Group 1 events on multiple occasions. He has won the 1,000 Guineas and 2,000 Guineas on three separate occasions, with the most recent of those coming in the 2,000 Guineas of 2016 when he won onboard Galileo Gold. Royal Ascot has been the biggest stage for Dettori as he has won over 70 races at the prestigious meeting.
The biggest prize on offer during that week is the Ascot Gold Cup, and Dettori has won that race on eight occasions. Only Lester Piggott has won more Gold Cups that Dettori. Three of his successes in that race have come onboard Stradivarius. Dettori has also won the Commonwealth Cup, Champion Stakes, Coronation Cup, Coronation Stakes and the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Ascot.
He has also achieved success around the world and is a six-time winner of the Prix de l’Arc Triomphe, which includes the back-to-back victories he got with Enable.
Dettori has also won The Crown Prince Cup, King’s Cup and Bahrain Gold Cup on numerous occasions in Bahrain, and the Irish 2,000 Guineas and Irish Oaks.
He has also won the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and the Breeders’ Cup Turf in the United States.
We can only hope that Dettori tries his luck soon in the Triple Crown races: will he ever take part of the contenders for the Kentucky Derby? You can check here on TwinSpires.com which horses are running in September’s Derby.
Frankie’s absence from American’s horse racing events does not take his merit as the best horse jockey of today. His resume speaks for itself and few others can compare to achieving so much honours in this sport.
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