There are few more famous jockeys in the world of horse racing than Frankie Dettori. The legendary Italian has transcended the sport throughout his career, and continues to rank among the very best riders in the world to this day.
Dettori flirting with the idea of retirement in 2023, before deciding to resume his career in the United States for at least another 12 months. But, how much has the Italian jockey won in prize money during his career and what are some of the most famous races that he has won during his time in the saddle?
Dettori Career Earnings
According to the experts at TwinSpires, there have been few more celebrated jockeys in the world of horse racing throughout history than Dettori. The legendary rider has won a staggering £153 million in prize money during his career, which sees him rank as the 42nd highest earner from leasing jockeys. To put into context that figure, it is £5 million higher than the net worth of French superstar Kylian Mbappe.
Despite coming toward the end of his career, Dettori has continued to ride at the highest level across the last five season, which is mirrored by the fact that he has won just under £15 million in flat racing in the United Kingdom and Ireland across the last five seasons. But, at the end of last season, the Italian decided to take his talents to the United States, in the hope of winning one of the illustrious races that has evaded him- the Kentucky Derby.
Dettori’s Record In The U.S.
Dettori’s decision to continue riding in the United States was officially announced before the Breeders’ Cup in 2023. His dominance on the track in North America is clear to see based on the stats, as he has claimed 128 winners from 842 rides to pick up over $45 million in prize money on the continent.
This season, his record has been solid enough, winning 52 times from 294 starts to pick up prize money in the region of $6.5 million. However, winners at the highest level haven’t been as easy to achieve for Dettori this season, as he has claimed victories in just two Grade 1s.
His most lucrative win came aboard Beaute Cachee in the G1 Jenny Wiley Stakes, while he also landed the G1 Santa Anita Handicap with Newgate. Imagination and Star of Mystery also rank among his best performing stars this season in the United States based on solely prize money earned.
Most Famous Wins
Dettori’s major breakthrough in the United Kingdom came during his stint with Godolphin in the 1990s, with his first major success with the connections coming with Balanchine. The filly was second in the G1 1,000 Guineas, before landing the G1 Oaks in April. Her success on track with Dettori in the saddle would continue back in Ireland against the boys later in the season after landing the G1 Irish Derby.
One of the most famous days in Dettori’s career would come at the British Festival of Racing, which would later be known as British Champions Day, in September 1996. The Italian achieved the unlikely feat of going through the card, landing wins in all seven races. It is still largely regarded as his greatest achievement, and it ultimately cost the betting industry £40 million.
The race that Dettori always dreamed of winning was the Epsom Derby, but he would come up short on 14 occasions during his time with Godolphin. However, his major breakthrough in the race would finally arrive in June 2007 when aboard Authorized for trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam.
Famous Horses
Dettori has won almost every race worth winning across Europe and the United States, but there have been some standout equine stars that he has formed special connections with during his esteemed career. Galileo Gold would see Dettori re-emerge as one of the top jockeys in the world following a ban, landing the G1 2,000 Guineas and G1 St James’ Palace Stakes.
However, Dettori’s most famous horses in his later career would come from the John Gosden yard. Golden Horn would give Dettori a victory in the Derby in 2015, before his association with Enable would see him reach new heights. The filly would land the Oaks in 2017, before winning the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in successive years in 2017 and 2018. She would also end her career with victory in the Breeders’ Cup Turf.
One of Dettori’s most valuable winners during his career would come in the form of Stradivarius. The Gosden-trained runner would win the Ascot Gold Cup on three occasions between 2018 and 2020, while also winning the Yorkshire Cup three times and the Goodwood Cup on four occasions. During the stayers’ career, he would pick up over £5.5 million in prize money from his time on the track.
