Frankie Dettori is making a comeback, returning to the saddle at Doncaster in September. He will line-up in the Betfred Leger Legends race, marking his first ride in Britain since 2023.

What's behind the comeback?

Dettori had originally planned to retire at the end of the 2023 horse racing season but instead extended his career by another two years, racing in the United States before finally signing off at Gávea Racecourse in Rio de Janeiro in February 2026.

The 55-year-old will ride in the Leger Legends race, which is a one-mile classified stakes for former professional jockeys. This year, the race has been moved to the ITV Racing schedule on Friday of the St Leger Festival on September 11.

The significance of the Leger Legends race

The Leger Legends race was first staged in 2010, and Andrew Thornton, who sits on the race committee, believes Dettori's appearance will add even more prestige to the event. Thornton said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have Frankie. He’s huge box office and his presence will be an enormous help in raising the profile of the race.”

Dettori famously completed his Magnificent Seven at Ascot in 1996, when he rode all seven winners on the card – a feat that remains one of the greatest achievements in British racing history.

Dettori's past successes

His seven Ascot winners were: Cumberland Lodge Stakes – Wall Street, Diadem Stakes – Diffident, Queen Elizabeth II Stakes – Mark Of Esteem, Tote Festival Handicap – Decorated Hero, Rosemary Stakes – Fatefully, Blue Seal Stakes – Lochangel, and Gordon Carter Handicap – Fujiyama Crest. The cumulative starting-price odds were around 25,000-1.

The achievement proved hugely expensive for bookmakers, with industry estimates putting total losses at around £30-£40 million after countless punters backed Dettori throughout the afternoon.

What's next for Dettori?

Dettori will be looking to add to his impressive record at Doncaster, where he has ridden more than 150 winners during his career. The Legends race will be a great opportunity for him to showcase his skills once again.

Andrew Thornton added: “Frankie follows greats like Mick Kinane and AP McCoy. They both won it, so he’s under a bit of pressure to emulate them – not that he’s ever felt pressure!” Dettori was more than happy to help out the Injured Jockeys Fund because he totally understands where all the money is going.

The Injured Jockeys Fund has been there for all of us; we’ve all needed its help over the years, as have John Oaksey House, Jack Berry House and Peter O’Sullevan House. Dettori's return to racing is set to be an exciting one, and fans will be eager to see him in action at Doncaster in September.