Frankie Dettori Hospitalized Following a Serious Car Accident

The legendary Italian jockey, now retired from competitive riding, suffered multiple fractured ribs and a broken thumb after being involved in a motor vehicle accident in Newmarket

Frankie Dettori during his last visit to Argentina, in December / HSI

NEWMARKET, England—Frankie Dettori remains hospitalized following a major motor vehicle accident on Wednesday evening, when the vehicle he was operating was struck by another automobile and subsequently overturned.

According to a statement released by his management agency, H Talent Management, another car impacted the rear right-hand side of the Italian's vehicle, causing him to lose control, spin, and ultimately roll over.

As a result of the violent collision, the 55-year-old retired champion suffered multiple fractured ribs and a broken thumb. However, he continues to undergo comprehensive medical examinations and remains under strict clinical observation to fully determine the extent of his injuries.

In an official press release, his management team stated: "Frankie wishes to extend his deepest gratitude to the emergency services who attended the scene, as well as to the doctors, nurses, and the entire medical team currently providing his care. His immediate priority is to rest and focus on his recovery."

Furthermore, the agency requested utmost respect for the multi-champion's privacy during this sensitive time, clarifying that no further updates will be issued until there are significant developments regarding his medical evolution.

Dettori has not ridden competitively in Great Britain since October 2023, when he brought the curtain down on his British career with a fairy-tale victory aboard King Of Steel (Wootton Bassett {GB}) in the G1 Champion Stakes at Ascot. However, he was scheduled to make a highly anticipated, one-off return to the saddle this coming September during Doncaster's St Leger Festival to take part in the traditional Leger Legends charity race.

This is not the first time the charismatic rider has survived a life-threatening accident. In June 2000, he miraculously escaped a fatal aviation crash in Newmarket when a light aircraft went down shortly after takeoff. That tragedy claimed the life of pilot Patrick Mackey, while Dettori was pulled alive from the wreckage thanks to the heroic actions of fellow jockey Ray Cochrane, who would later become his longtime business agent.

At present, there is no official timeline for his recovery, as the primary focus remains entirely on his stable healing from the fractures sustained in this harrowing ordeal.