IN spite of being Italian, Frankie Dettori has been the face of British horse racing for almost three decades.
To honour his unparalleled contribution to the sport, a number of statues and murals have been commissioned in his honour — here we take a look at where they are and whether you can visit them.
GettyFrankie Dettori and Queen Camilla stand next to a statue of Frankie as they attend QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot Racecourse on October 21, 2023[/caption]
Where are Frankie Dettori’s statues?
Both of Frankie’s statues are situated at Ascot Racecourse.
The first is by the entrance and immortalises the jockey jumping for joy following his most famous day’s racing — riding all seven winners in one day at the Festival Of British Racing.
The second is located by the Grandstand Lawn at the racecourse and depicts the world-famous Italian jockey mounted on a horse.
Can I visit Frankie Dettori’s statues?
Yes, it is possible to visit Dettori’s statues.
They are situated at Ascot racecourse, Berkshire.
You can even see one of them without paying to enter as it is situated by the entrance.
Why were statues built to honour Frankie Dettori?
The first statue was erected in 2001 by Ascot to remember Frankie famously riding all seven winners on the card the on the Saturday of the Festival Of British Racing in 1996 — a precursor to QIPCO British Champions Day.
The second, a specially commissioned statue of Dettori mounted on a horse, was unveiled at Ascot Racecourse by Queen Camilla on October 21, 2023.
It is in honour of his unrivalled contribution to the racecourse, with his first ride there coming in 1987.
Since then Dettori’s career has included 81 victories at the Royal meeting and 229 winners at Ascot overall.
Frankie said: “Ascot has been everything to me — my first Group 1 winner when I was 18 — it is where it all started and concludes with nine Gold Cups, seven King Georges, 81 winners at Royal Ascot and hopefully some victories today [QIPCO British Champions Day].
“It’s wonderful to be immortalised at such a great track, and to have your own statue while you are still alive, wow!
“Tristram Lewis has created a humbling tribute, and I would like to thank him, Ascot Racecourse and all those that have supported this impactful artwork.”
Sir Francis Brooke, King Charles’ representative and chairman at Ascot, said: “We are delighted to be able to unveil this permanent celebration of Frankie Dettori’s career at Ascot.
“Frankie has been such a huge part of racing at Ascot over the last 35 years and this unique sculpture will ensure a lasting tribute to his success is permanently in place at the racecourse.
“I am sure it will be hugely popular with racegoers in the years to come and we are extremely grateful to all the contributors for their support in making this happen and of course to Tristram who has so expertly delivered the project from start to finish.”
Are there any murals of Frankie Dettori?
A series of murals were unveiled over the course of 2023, which was believed to be Frankie’s last racing season, until he made shock U-turn, saying he’d continue racing in America.
The first mural was created by leading street artists MurWalls — it was revealed at Epsom Downs as a surprise to Dettori in April, 2023.
A second mural for Frankie was created at Sandown Park’s Summer Festival in early July, 2023.
Two further giant murals honouring the Italian were unveiled at Newmarket racecourse as the season came to a close.
The first was inspired by Dettori’s 2011 QIPCO 1000 Guineas win on Blue Bunting, and overlooks the finishing line.
The second was created live across the two days of Dubai Future Champions Festival on October 13 and 14.
Newmarket Racecourses and international director Sophie Able said: “Frankie’s contribution to Newmarket and British racing more widely cannot be underestimated over what has been a long and stellar riding career.
“We are delighted to be able to mark this momentous occasion for Flat racing and add a permanent tribute to Frankie and all that he has achieved at his home racecourse.”