Frankie Dettori Withdraws from Racing Return to Prioritize Recovery from Car Accident
FRANKIE DETTORI has pulled out of his return to racing as he continues his recovery following a car accident.
The legendary jockey, who is 55 years old, was set to compete in the upcoming Leger Legends race at Doncaster next Friday, as part of the St Leger festival.
![Frankie Dettori recovers in hospital reading his favourite paper, after he was involved in a car smash on the London Road, [the A1304] at Six Mile Bottom, Newmarket. Frankie is pictured with his wife Catherine.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/frankie-dettori-recovers-hospital-reading-1092605116.jpg?w=720)
Despite appearing fit and well in recent public events as part of his role with Amo Racing, Frankie acknowledged that race-riding demands a different level of fitness that he has yet to achieve.
He stated, “I’m truly disappointed not to take part in the Legends race. I’ve made an effort, but I’m not fit enough yet. The aftermath of my car accident in early July is still impacting me.”
“However, I plan to be there to support my fellow riders for the Injured Jockeys Fund, and I’ll also attend on Saturday to back our oldest Classic, the St Leger. I truly regret not being able to compete this year and aim to participate next year.”
Frankie was hospitalized after his Smart car flipped when another vehicle collided with it in Newmarket two months ago.
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He was released from Addenbrooke’s Hospital a week later, having suffered from four broken ribs.
After officially retiring at the start of this year following a farewell tour worldwide, Frankie had hoped to regain fitness in time for the charity Legends race but unfortunately ran out of time. He is now aiming for a potential return to racing in 2027.
Reflecting on the traumatic accident, his wife Catherine said, “Someone once said, ‘God laughs at those who make plans’. Just yesterday, Frankie was talking about riding again, and then this occurs. I’ve never seen someone sitting on the roadside after an accident before. It’s horrifying; it really brings home the seriousness of such situations. He managed to get himself to the roadside, and many kind neighbors were quick to help him.”
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