Horse racing legend Frankie Dettori has shared that he is feeling considerable discomfort after being hospitalized due to a terrifying incident where his car overturned. The retired Italian jockey was in a vehicle in Newmarket, Suffolk, when it was struck by another car, resulting in a severe car crash that caused Dettori to sustain multiple injuries.
Reports from his representatives indicate that the car spun and flipped over when the rear passenger side was impacted. Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, and Dettori was subsequently transported to the hospital.
At 55 years old, Dettori received medical treatment for a broken thumb and several fractured ribs. He remains hospitalized for further monitoring.
Taking to Instagram from his hospital bed, the esteemed racing figure expressed gratitude for the supportive messages and praised the exceptional care provided by the emergency staff. Dettori acknowledged his physical discomfort, mentioning the broken ribs, and emphasized the need for rest and recovery before his return. He signed off with a hopeful message to his well-wishers.
Concerns arose among fans upon learning of the incident. H Talent Management, Dettori’s representatives, issued a statement detailing the accident and the injuries sustained, emphasizing the ongoing medical assessment and hospital stay for observation. Dettori’s focus is currently on recuperation, and his privacy during this period is respectfully requested.
Dettori retired earlier this year after a remarkable career spanning nearly four decades, during which he achieved three British flat racing Champion Jockey titles and secured 288 Grade 1 race victories, solidifying his place as a legendary figure in the sport. His most notable feat occurred in 1996 at Ascot when he rode to victory in all seven races at the event.
Following his retirement in 2025 after the Breeders’ Cup in the United States, where he received an honorary MBE in 2001, Dettori now resides in California with his family. This recent incident is not the first vehicular mishap involving Dettori, as he previously survived a plane crash in 2000, where he sustained injuries and was rescued from the wreckage by a friend.
Authorities labeled the survival of Dettori and his companion as a miracle following the plane crash investigation, attributing the accident to propeller contact with the ground during take-off.
