Horse Racing

Fabulous Frankie Dettori makes it to QIPCO Hall Of Fame

Tom ReedTom Reed25 April 2022
Frankie Dettori wins the 2022 Dubai World Cup

Frankie Dettori wins the 2022 Dubai World Cup

Frankie Dettori has done it all in his legendary racing career and an induction into the Qipco British Champions Series Hall of Fame is the icing on the cake for the irrepressible Italian.

The irrepressible Italian Frankie Dettori became only the third jockey after Lester Piggott and Pat Eddery to be welcomed into the Qipco British Champions Series Hall of Fame.

The 51 year-old was voted into the hallowed halls by an independent panel of industry experts.
Dettori is still the most famous jockey in the world having steered over 3,300 British winners, 270 Group/Grade 1 victories races and won 21 Classics - including two Derby triumphs.

The Italian, son of a leading jockey, made global news when he took all seven races on the same Ascot card in 1996, a feat which came to be known as the 'Magnificent Seven'.

A humble Dettori said: "Joining the Qipco British Champions Series Hall of Fame gives me an immense feeling of pride and I'm honoured for my career to be recognised in this way, placing me alongside others who I have looked up to my whole life.
"Lester (Piggott) was my idol when I came over from Italy and I was lucky to ride against him on a few occasions, while Pat (Eddery) was the most gifted horseman I have ever seen.
"When I first started out, my ambition was to be a mid-division jockey. This spiralled out of control early on; I quickly became champion jockey, I got an awesome job with Luca (Cumani), and the dream came alive.
"When I first set out on this path, I didn't quite believe in myself but, as things snowballed, I realised I could make it to become the jockey I am today."
After the award was announced a whole host of leading celebrities and sporting personalities paid tribute to Dettori and his induction into the Qipco British Champions Series Hall of Fame.
Leading the tributes were longstanding friend, ex-footballer and film star Vinnie Jones, ex-Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright, "The Champ" Sir Anthony McCoy, Rolling Stones rocker Ronnie Wood, and TV presenter and racing enthusiast Clare Balding.
Dettori won't be able to revel in the glory for too long however as he is booked to ride at Great Yarmouth on Tuesday, April 26 where he has two rides on Shining Al Danah and Knight Of Honour.

    Related News