Frankie Dettori has shared a message from his hospital bed after sustaining several broken ribs and a broken thumb in a car accident in Newmarket on Wednesday evening (July 1). The legendary jockey thanked the emergency services and well-wishers as his injuries are assessed through further scans and observation.
Details of the Crash
According to a statement from his management company H Talent Management, another vehicle struck the rear passenger side of the car the 55-year-old was driving, causing it to spin and flip. The incident occurred on the A1304 near Six Mile Bottom at around 7pm. Cambridgeshire Police said no arrests were made, and an investigation is ongoing for traffic-related offences. Both drivers were taken to hospital as a precaution.
Dettori's Message
In a post on X, Dettori said: “Thank you, everyone, for your kind messages and support. A huge thank you as well to the fantastic emergency staff who looked after me. I’m very sore and have a few broken ribs, so I’ll be taking some time to rest and recover. I look forward to seeing you all again soon.”
Medical Response
An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called just after 6.55pm (on Wednesday) to a road traffic collision on the A1304 near Six Mile Bottom. Two ambulances and an ambulance officer vehicle were sent to the scene. Two patients were transported to Addenbrooke’s Hospital (in Cambridge) for further assessment and treatment.”
Impact on Career
Dettori has not ridden in Britain since October 2023 when he won the Champion Stakes on King Of Steel at Ascot. Now an ambassador for Amo Racing, he was due to return to the saddle in the Leger Legends race at Doncaster during the St Leger Festival in September. His recovery may affect this planned return.
Previous Incident
In June 2000, Dettori survived a light aircraft crash in Newmarket that killed pilot Patrick Mackey. He was dragged out of the wreckage by fellow jockey Ray Cochrane, who later became his agent.
