Frankie Dettori was involved in a serious car crash in Newmarket, Suffolk, on Wednesday evening, sustaining broken ribs and a broken thumb after his car was struck and flipped by another vehicle, according to his representatives.
Details of the Crash
The former Italian jockey was driving through Newmarket when another car struck his vehicle, causing it to spin and overturn. The impact hit the rear passenger side, flipping the car on the carriageway. Emergency services attended the scene promptly, and Dettori was taken to hospital.
Injuries and Hospitalisation
The 55-year-old was treated for a fractured thumb and multiple broken ribs. He remains in hospital for further scans and observation. His management company, H Talent Management, stated: "Frankie was taken to hospital, where he was found to have sustained several broken ribs and a broken thumb. His injuries are still being assessed, and he remains in hospital for further scans and observation."
Statement from Management
H Talent Management added: "Frankie would like to thank the emergency services who attended the scene, together with the doctors, nurses and wider medical team caring for him. His focus is now on resting and recovering. H Talent Management respectfully asks that Frankie's privacy is respected at this time. No further comment will be made until there is a meaningful update."
Dettori's Illustrious Career
Dettori retired from the saddle earlier this year, concluding a career spanning nearly 40 years. He claimed the British flat racing Champion Jockey title three times and secured 288 Grade 1 victories. His crowning moment came at Ascot in October 1996 when he rode all seven winners. He last competed in Britain in October 2023, winning the Champion Stakes on King Of Steel at Ascot. He retired in November 2025 after the Breeders' Cup in the United States. Dettori, who received an honorary MBE in 2001, now lives in California with his family.
Previous Incident
This is not the first time Dettori has been in a vehicle-related incident. In 2000, he survived a plane crash that killed pilot Patrick Mackey. The aircraft caught fire after takeoff and crashed. Dettori sustained a fractured ankle and thumb injuries and was pulled from the wreckage by companion Ray Cochrane. Officers described it as a "miracle" they survived. An investigation revealed a propeller struck the ground during takeoff, causing the plane to veer and crash.
