Frankie Dettori
 Frankie Dettori in 2005 | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Lanfranco Dettori |
| Born | 15 December 1970 Milan, Italy |
| Occupation | Jockey |
Biography
Lanfranco "Frankie" Dettori is one of the most iconic and charismatic jockeys in the history of horse racing. Born on December 15, 1970, in Milan, Italy, he is the son of champion Italian jockey Gianfranco Dettori. Frankie followed in his father's footsteps from an early age, moving to England as a teenager to train as an apprentice under renowned trainer Luca Cumani in Newmarket.
Dettori quickly made a name for himself with his fearless riding style, infectious personality, and flamboyant "flying dismount" celebration after victories. His breakthrough year came in 1990 when he became the first teenager since Lester Piggott to ride 100 winners in a British season.
One of his most legendary feats occurred on September 28, 1996, when he rode all seven winners on the card at Ascot Racecourse—a feat known simply as the "Magnificent Seven." It cemented his place as a sporting legend and was a moment that transcended horse racing.
Dettori has won virtually every major race in the world, including multiple victories in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Epsom Derby, 2000 Guineas, and Breeders' Cup events. He formed a long and successful partnership with the powerful Godolphin racing operation before moving on to become the retained rider for trainer John Gosden, with whom he enjoyed a career renaissance, notably with horses like Enable and Stradivarius.
In 2000, Dettori survived a plane crash that claimed the life of the pilot—a near-death experience that profoundly shaped his outlook.
Known for his showmanship, determination, and enduring success over more than three decades, Frankie Dettori remains a fan favorite and an ambassador for the sport. In 2023, he announced plans to scale back his career, marking the end of an extraordinary era in flat racing.
Music (likes)
BBC's Desert Island Discs (2006)
- Life is a Rollercoaster - Ronan Keating
- Back in Black - AC/DC
- Into the Groove - Madonna
- Three Little Birds - Bob Marley & The Wailers
- Amazing Grace - The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
- Fairground - Simply Red
- Feel - Robbie Williams
- Insomnia - Faithless [1]
Food (likes)
Miscellaneous
- Pinot Grigio [1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Frankie Dettori". Desert Island Discs. 15 January 2006. BBC.