Frankie Dettori will return to ride in England in the Leger Legends

The Italian superstar, who has not ridden in Great Britain since 2023, will be one of the headline attractions for the traditional charity race at Doncaster on September 11, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the St Leger. He is currently recovering from a serious automobile accident in which he suffered broken ribs and a fractured thumb

Frankie Dettori in Brazil, in his farewell ride / JCB / SYLVIO RONDINELLI

DONCASTER, England (Special for Turf Diario).— The 250th anniversary year of the St Leger will feature a very special highlight: Frankie Dettori will don the silks once again to ride in England, an occurrence not seen since 2023.

The legendary jockey will be one of the star attractions of the Leger Legends, the traditional charity race set for Friday, September 11 at Doncaster, which aims to raise funds primarily for Jack Berry House and the Injured Jockeys Fund(IJF).

Dettori's participation was briefly thrown into uncertainty after he was involved in a serious automobile accident shortly after his appearance was announced, suffering several fractured ribs and a broken thumb. However, his recovery is progressing on schedule, and all signs point to him taking his place in the saddle.

"Frankie is really looking forward to it," explained Andrew Thornton, one of the race's organizers.

"As everyone knows, this event is all about raising money, mainly for Jack Berry House and the Injured Jockeys Fund. Having Frankie here boosts the race and boosts Doncaster, especially in the 250th anniversary year of the St Leger," he added.

Dettori's history with the St Leger is storied, having captured multiple victories in the final leg of the British Triple Crown over his extraordinary career. Moreover, he currently resides near Doncaster, making his inclusion all the more fitting.

Yet Dettori will be far from the only star in a field packed with familiar names. Recently retired Joe Fanning is also set to ride, while Gay Kelleway will make a final return to coincide with the 40th anniversary of her historic victory aboard Sprowston Boy (Dominion) at Royal Ascot.

The lineup also features Sammy-Jo Bell, who will chase a fourth Leger Legends title; Jimmy Quinn, Franny Norton, Adam Kirby, Tom Scudamore, Adrian Nicholls, and Gary Bardwell, the latter seeking his third victory in the event.

Joining them are Meg Nicholls, currently with ITV; Jenny Powell; the recently retired Richard Patrick; and JJ Hamblett, member of Union J.

"We have jockeys who have collectively won thousands of races. It’s going to be fantastic, drawing a big crowd for an amazing cause, and hopefully we can raise a substantial amount of money for the IJF," Thornton noted.

The Leger Legends will once again blend nostalgia with charitable goodwill, this time with an undeniable star draw.

Nearly three years after his last riding appearance in the United Kingdom, Dettori will return to action before the English racing public on the iconic turf of Doncaster—a venue that brought him so many crowning moments—during a week that honors 250 years of St Leger history.