Frankie Dettori's world was turned upside down in an instant - the very same moment his car took a hammering in Newmarket on Wednesday evening. The 55-year-old jockey, a household name synonymous with British racing, is currently undergoing treatment for several broken ribs and a broken thumb after being involved in a horrific rear-end collision.
Details of the incident have been confirmed by H Talent Management, Dettori's management company, who revealed that his vehicle was struck from behind, causing it to spin out of control and flip. The immediate aftermath saw Dettori rushed to hospital for assessment, where he remains under observation awaiting further scans and medical care.
The accident has left fans reeling, particularly given Dettori's imminent return to the saddle was eagerly anticipated by racing enthusiasts across the country. His last British appearance had been back in October 2023, when he secured a thrilling victory on King Of Steel at Ascot in the Champion Stakes.
Now, as the road to recovery begins, one thing is certain - Dettori's planned return to Doncaster for the Leger Legends race during the prestigious St Leger Festival in September has been dealt a significant blow. Broken ribs and a broken thumb are no laughing matter for jockeys, who require razor-sharp reflexes and pinpoint precision at all times.
The full extent of these injuries and their impact on Dettori's racing schedule remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the road to recovery will be long and arduous. Time will tell if the master jockey can bounce back from this setback, but for now, all eyes are on his progress and the well-wishes of fans around the world.