Fear has gripped the racing world as one of its most beloved icons, Frankie Dettori, lies in hospital with a trio of broken ribs and a busted thumb. The 55-year-old's high-speed car crash near Newmarket on Wednesday evening has left fans stunned and worried sick. We're told Dettori was driving when his vehicle was clipped from behind, sending it spinning out of control and flipping over.
The Italian maestro's injuries are still being assessed as he undergoes observation and further scans. His management team have issued a heartfelt statement, thanking the emergency services who rushed to the scene and praising the medical staff caring for him. They've stressed that Dettori's sole focus right now is on getting better, and respectfully request that his family be left alone during this challenging time.
Despite the collision happening just over the border in Cambridgeshire, local police are still trying to piece together what happened. The specifics of the accident remain sketchy, but one thing's for certain – Frankie Dettori won't be gracing the racetrack anytime soon. His long-awaited return to competitive racing in Britain was set to kick off at Doncaster during the St Leger Festival in September, but that now hangs precariously in the balance.
This is a cruel blow for Dettori, who's been counting down the days until he could get back on his horse. He last rode out in October 2023, claiming victory on King of Steel at Ascot's Champion Stakes. As the racing community holds its breath, fans are sending their well-wishes to the injured legend.
For anyone facing a medical emergency, don't hesitate – call 999 straight away! If it's not life-threatening, get in touch with your GP or NHS 111 for advice. The NHS website has got you covered on broken bones, too – from symptoms to recovery times, it's all there.