Early life and career
Frankie Dettori, whose full name is Francesco Paolo Dettori, was born on June 5, 1968, in Rome, Italy. His father, Pasquale, was a professional soccer player and later worked as a jockey’s agent. His mother, Angela, was a dressage rider. Growing up among jockeys and horses, Dettori developed a passion for the sport. He began riding ponies as a child and became a professional jockey in 1987. In his early years, Dettori acquired the nicknames “Il Pajon” (Italian for “The Kid”) and “The Dettori Express.” The latter was inspired by the legendary American jockey Johnny Longden. Dettori’s father worked as an agent for jockeys and got his son a job as an apprentice jockey in Italy. He also helped Dettori get a visa to travel to England, where Dettori continued to ride.
Notable racing achievements
Dettori has won races all over the world, including the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Breeders' Cup, and Epsom Derby. He has also bagged numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious Order of the British Empire. He has won the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) accolade and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) award for Outstanding Jockey on numerous occasions. He holds the record for the most number of wins at Royal Ascot, winning the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on six occasions. He has won the Dubai World Cup on two occasions and has been named the top jockey at the Hong Kong International Races three times. Dettori has also been inducted into the International Racing Hall of Fame.
Awards and honors
Dettori has won the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) accolade and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) award for Outstanding Jockey on numerous occasions. He holds the record for the most number of wins at Royal Ascot, winning the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on six occasions. He has won the Dubai World Cup twice and has been named the top jockey at the Hong Kong International Races three times. Dettori has also been inducted into the International Racing Hall of Fame. He was named the Sportsman of the Year in both the United Kingdom and Italy in 1996. The University of Nottingham has also awarded him an Honorary Doctorate.
Global star status
Dettori’s success has made him a global star, with fans in every corner of the world. He is one of the most well-known athletes in the United Kingdom and the most well-known jockey in the world. He is widely recognized for his flamboyant style and has been featured in several ad campaigns for fashion and sports brands. He has also appeared in several films, including “Sherlock Holmes” and “The Young Visiters.” Dettori is also a television presenter and has hosted programs on the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4. He has also appeared as a guest presenter on shows such as “The Graham Norton Show” and “Live at the Apollo.” He is a popular face on the British talk show circuit, having appeared on “Good Morning Britain,” “Loose Women,” “This Morning” and “The One Show.”
Highlights from recent performances
Dettori comes from a family of jockeys, and he has been riding horses from a very young age. He made his debut on the racetrack as a jockey in 1987. He became the first jockey in history to win the Epsom Derby on three consecutive occasions when he won the race in 1992, 1993, and 1994. Dettori’s most recent major win came in the 2018 Dubai World Cup, in which he rode Ramses, ridden by Francesco Dettori. The horse raced from last place to finish first in a dramatic finish. He also appeared in several television shows and ad campaigns as a presenter and as a model.
Dettori’s future in horse racing
Dettori has been riding professionally since 1987 and has a very successful track record. At the age of 48, he is still going strong, and there are no signs of him retiring anytime soon. He has the energy and passion to ride, and his skills and charisma have kept his career going strong. He has constantly reinvented himself by developing new skills and learning a new craft. He has been a successful rider and has won several major awards and honors. He is also an accomplished jockey and has been named the Sportsman of the Year on multiple occasions. As one of the most successful jockeys in the world, Dettori continues to entertain and thrill racegoers with his riding feats.
