Early Life and Career Beginnings
Lanfranco “Frankie” Dettori was born on December 15, 1970, in Milan, Italy. He is the son of Gianfranco Dettori, a multiple-time Italian champion jockey. Frankie began his riding career in Italy before moving to England at the age of 14 to work as a stable boy and apprentice jockey. He rode his first winner in Turin in 1986 and his first UK winner at Goodwood in 1987.
Rise to Prominence
Dettori quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the British flat racing Champion Jockey three times (1994, 1995, and 2004). His most iconic achievement came on September 28, 1996, when he won all seven races on British Festival of Racing Day at Ascot Racecourse, a feat dubbed the “Magnificent Seven.” This unprecedented accomplishment cemented his status as a racing legend.
Major Career Achievements
British Classic Races: 23 wins, including multiple victories in the 1,000 Guineas, 2,000 Guineas, Epsom Oaks, Epsom Derby, and St. Leger Stakes Group 1 Races: Over 287 wins globally Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: Record six wins Breeders’ Cup: 14 victories, showcasing his international success Ascot Gold Cup: Nine wins, including three consecutive victories aboard Stradivarius (2018–2020) Royal Ascot: Over 70 wins, making him one of the most successful jockeys in the event’s history Awards: British flat racing Champion Jockey (3x), awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to horse racing
Career Earnings
Throughout his illustrious career, Frankie Dettori’s mounts have earned over $233 million in prize money. Given that jockeys typically receive a percentage of the purse—often around 10% for winning rides
