Frankie Dettori to miss Leger Legends race at Doncaster
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 1 Sep 2026
Frankie Dettori has lost his battle to be fit enough to return to the saddle for the Betfred Leger Legends race at Doncaster on Friday week.
The Italian was set to make his first race-riding appearance in Britain since bowing out in style aboard King Of Steel on British Champions Day in 2023.
However, shortly after it was announced the 55-year-old had signed up for the annual fundraiser in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund, he was involved in a serious car accident – in which he broke several ribs and a thumb – putting his participation in doubt.
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In a video posted to Dettori’s Instagram account on Tuesday, he said: “I’m really sorry I won’t be riding in the Legends race.
“I tried, I’m not fit enough. I still feel the effects of the car crash I had at the beginning of July, but I will be there to support my fellow jockeys participating and the new people riding in the race for the Injured Jockeys Fund.
“I’ll also be there on the Saturday to support 250th anniversary of our oldest Classic, the St Leger. I’d like to apologise that I can’t make the race this year and hopefully I’ll be there next year.”
Dettori has a rich history with Doncaster, having won the St Leger six times during his decorated career.
Despite his absence, the one-mile Leger Legends Classified Stakes will feature some great names from the weighing room of old, including recently retired Joe Fanning, Franny Norton, Adam Kirby and JJ Hamblett of X Factor fame from boyband Union J.
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