Frankie Dettori fit for racing comeback at his new local track just two months after breaking ribs in Smart car crash

FRANKIE DETTORI is fit and raring to go for his big racing comeback at his new local track – just two months after a horror car crash. The legendary jockey, 55, was rushed to hospital with broken bones after flipping his borrowed Smart car following a collision in Newmarket on July 1. Frankie Dettori is all set for his big British racing return – just over two months after breaking several ribs in a car crash Credit: Ray Collins Frankie’s final ever flying dismount in Britain came in October 2023 on King Of Steel at Ascot – but could we see one more at Doncaster on September 11? Credit: Reuters Wife Catherine was seen at his bedside while the racing icon underwent his recovery in hospital. It’s testament to his fitness and strength that Frankie has been seen back in the winner’s enclosure many times since, partly in his new role as global ambassador for Amo Racing. But he will don his silks and dig out his whip for the first time in Britain since October 2023 when taking part in the Leger Legends Race on Friday, September 11. Frankie is believed to now be living locally to Doncaster, which will host the race as part of its iconic Leger meeting. Retired jumps jockey Andrew Thornton, who is organising the event, gave an update on Frankie’s condition and the chances of him racing. He said: “Frankie is looking forward to it. “As people know, this event is all about raising money and primarily for Jack Berry House and the Injured Jockeys Fund. To get Frankie on board helps the race and it helps Doncaster, especially when it is the 250th year of the St Leger. “The St Leger was a lucky race for Frankie, he won it several times and now he is living locally as well. Most read in Horse Racing “Frankie is far from the only story though. We have Gay Kelleway on the 40th anniversary of Sprowston Boy winning at Royal Ascot, she’s doing it for the final time with a film crew following her around. “We’ve got JJ Hamblett from Union J, he’s got a film crew following him as well! “We’ve got Meg Nicholls from ITV, Jenny Powell – Brendan senior’s daughter and sister of junior – and Sammy-Jo Bell is back to try to win it for a fourth time. “We’ve Jimmy Quinn, Franny Norton, Adam Kirby – people who rode thousands of winners between them – Tom Scudamore, there’s a lot of winners lining up. “Richard Patrick, who has just retired, Adrian Nicholls is back again and Gary Bardwell is looking for a third win. “It will be great, it will be a good turnout, it’s for a great cause and hopefully we can make a few quid for the IJF.” Catherine told Sun Racing how her husband had been going out to buy chicken when the collision occurred. She said: “We’re just so thankful. “Frankie’s being looked after and, thankfully, he’s going to be OK. “We’d borrowed the Smart car from a friend because we’d been back and forth to America and didn’t really have a car ourselves.” Catherine added: “Someone once said ‘God laughs at people who make plans’. “Yesterday Frankie was talking about riding again, and then this happens. “I’ve never had to see someone sitting at the side of the road after a crash before. “It’s awful. You suddenly realise just how serious these things can be. “He got himself to the side of the road and there were so many lovely neighbours there almost straight away. People were so kind.” FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. Comment now