Are you a fan of the sport of horse racing? Do you like to place a bet or two every once in a while? Well, you are in luck as the biggest name in the history of the sport, Frankie Dettori has no plans of stopping. At 54 years old, he appears to have found his new calling as he joined the Global Jockeys’ League, launching next year. In 2026, this new competition will start worth $15 million, so naturally, the best jockey of all time has to be there. Despite being in his 6th decade of life, Dettori is still widely regarded as one of the best jockeys in the world.
With a legendary status cemented over 30 years ago and a plethora of wins and dominant showings since, he continues to set new standards and add to his legacy. Not only will he be the face of this new league, but he also has a new sponsorship with the famous online sportsbook and casino platform Stake as their newest ambassador. He really does not care about retirement and plans to be involved with the sport for as long as he can. Read on to learn more about his endeavors, as well as an overview of his career. We also talk a bit about horse racing bets and odds for the wagering fans among you.
What is this new Jockeys’ League in 2026?
Together with fellow legends Ryan Moore and William Buick, and among 12 other riding stars currently signed up for the racing league, Dettori looks to write new pages of horse racing history books next calendar year. The revolutionary new jockeys’ league is expected to be launched with the leading Flat riders in the world. Ascot and York are among the courses to host the event, while James McDonald, Joao Moreira, and Zac Purton are also featured on the star-studded roster. Other names that complete the initial 12 riders include Christopher Lemaire, Micael Barzalona, Yutaka Take, Irad Ortiz Jr, Flavien Prat, and Vincent Ho.
Ascot and York have expressed strong support for the initiative, and Leopardstown said it is also interested in taking part. Apart from the three, the Curragh, Longchamp, and Chantilly are also possible European hosts for the series. Each of the jockeys will compete for points under their team branding and will ride in the same silks at each of the currently planned six races. Riders are shareholders in the league and will own equity in their team as well as be team principals for their franchises. Not a bad deal, considering the number of roles each of them will play. Commercial partners are actively being chased right now to secure $15 million in the next two years. The key to the league and a guarantee that it will happen is the jockeys’ direct involvement and critical role.
As the director of Ascot, Nick Smith, put it, “It's an original concept as it's jockey-led with jockey equity and so full jockey buy-in.” He added that they “are pleased to have been approached and look forward to continuing that dialogue.” On the York side, during the early stage discussions, chief executive William Derby agrees that “It's interesting and important that it doesn't conflict with the Pattern.” Revealing plans, he added that York has “another meeting booked and the sport should be open to new ideas.” Derby claims, “The jockeys being fully vested in the idea makes it something different from previous ones.” This is shaping up to be the next big thing in the always-interesting sport of racing horses.
Stake’s Collaboration with Frankie Dettori: A Huge Deal for the Sport
Online casino and sportsbook Stake has been involved in many high-profile partnerships and collaborations over the last few years. From legendary football striker Sergio Aguero to rapper and songwriter Drake, the platform knows how to combine entertainment, sports, and betting in a way that caters to multiple fan bases at once. In their latest efforts, they struck gold once again when they made the greatest jockey ever, Frankie Dettori, their first-ever Global Racing Ambassador. Widely regarded as the best to ever do it, this is a moment to celebrate for every fan of the sport who enjoys an occasional bet or is a passionate horse racing punter.
Of his latest move when he signed with Stake, Dettori revealed his excitement and eagerness to see what this new development in his life will bring. “I am really excited to be working with Stake and to be part of such an exciting team,” Frankie revealed, adding that the platform is “a hugely recognisable name within sport.” He knows that they “work with some of the biggest and most exciting athletes and teams,” and says he is “looking forward to coming onboard and seeing what is next.” And what a joy for any fan of the sport and every wagering veteran, since they can now gain access to elite sports betting content and first-hand insight like tips, news, and advice.
The charismatic personality of Dettori combined with his immense knowledge and experience will be a fountain of knowledge and insight whenever he and Stake sit down for an interview analysis of an upcoming race. Not to mention the great deal of positive light the sport will now gain thanks to one of the best, if not the best, to ever ride, being a partner and a member of the fast-growing Stake team of former and current athletes, spreading the word and combining sports and entertainment. As Frankie Dettori becomes Stake’s ambassador, it is also the best time to join in on the fun and consider horse racing as your next betting sport to branch out to.
What are the Most Common Horse Racing Bets?
There are many bets to go around in this sport that range from almost sure things to very difficult options to hit and win. It is why horse racing is popular both with amateurs and seasoned, experienced supporters. The most popular horse racing bets are the Win, Place, and Each-Way bets. A Win bet is the simplest. You are betting on a horse to finish first. A Place bet offers more flexibility, as you wager that the horse you pick will finish in one of the top positions, usually first or second, sometimes third, depending on the number of runners. An Each-Way bet combines both: half the stake goes on the horse to win, and the other half on it to place. It is a favorite among casual punters because it offers a safety net if the horse doesn't win but finishes strongly. There is also the Show bet, where you bet on a horse to come first, second, or third. It is one of the more popular bets with good horse betting odds that amateurs and newcomers often pick.
More advanced or exotic bets include Exacta, Trifecta, and Accumulator (or Acca) bets. An Exacta requires picking the first two horses in the exact order and is quite difficult to score. Even harder is the Trifecta bet that ups the challenge by needing the first three horses in the correct sequence. The Superfecta adds the fourth horse into the mix and increases the payout while lowering the chances further. Accumulators involve multiple bets rolled into one, where all selections need to come true to win a payout. These are very high-risk options, but they offer big potential rewards. These types of bets attract seasoned bettors looking for higher payouts and a more strategic challenge. There are also multi-race bets where you string together more races in a single racing card, all of which have to finish as you wagered for you to collect.
Frankie Dettori’s Greatest Accomplishments
In the decades-long career of Frankie Dettori, there have been numerous great achievements both on and off the track. Dettori is widely regarded as one of the greatest jockeys in horse racing history, an athlete with a career marked by extraordinary achievements. Among his most iconic accomplishments is his unforgettable "Magnificent Seven" at Ascot in 1996, almost 30 years ago, which speaks volumes about his longevity in the sport and how he continued having success despite doing something so big so early. He won all seven races on the card, a feat unmatched in the modern era.
Dettori has also secured numerous Classic wins, including multiple victories in prestigious races like the Epsom Derby, the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas, the Oaks, and the St Leger. Internationally, he has triumphed in major events, including the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, which he has won a record number of times, and the Breeders’ Cup races in the United States. The legend is also known for his flamboyant flying dismount whenever he wins, and the charismatic personality he brings wherever he appears. Dettori’s impact on the sport goes beyond his wins and brings widespread attention and enthusiasm to horse racing globally. His efforts at Ascot earned him a statue at the track, and in 2000, he was awarded an honorary OBE for his contributions to the sport in the United Kingdom.
Frankie Dettori FAQs
- Who is Frankie Dettori?
Frankie Dettori is an Italian-born jockey who became a global icon in horse racing. He is known for his flamboyant personality, flying dismounts, and exceptional riding record, especially in the United Kingdom, where he is a household name.
- What is Frankie Dettori most famous for?
Dettori is most famous for riding seven winners in one day at Ascot in 1996, an unprecedented feat in British racing history, known as the “Magnificent Seven” and an effort that earned him a statue at the race track.
- How many major races has Frankie Dettori won?
Dettori has won over 500 Group races, including multiple Classics in the UK and major international events such as the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (six times) and the Dubai World Cup.
- What is Frankie Dettori’s signature celebration?
His iconic “flying dismount” includes leaping off the horse after a victory. It has become a beloved trademark in the racing world and is synonymous with the legendary jockey.
- Did Frankie Dettori ever retire?
He announced his retirement multiple times, most recently in 2023, but later reversed the decision and returned to ride in the United States. He said he could not give it up just yet, despite being in his mid-50s.
- Is Frankie Dettori involved in anything outside horse racing?
Yes. He has appeared on TV shows, published autobiographies, and even opened Italian restaurants in London, including one named “Frankie’s.” He is now also a Stake partner, their first-ever Global Racing Ambassador.
- Which horses is Frankie Dettori most associated with?
Notable horses he has ridden during his 30 years in the sport include Enable, Golden Horn, Stradivarius, Dubai Millennium, and Authorized. All were champions in their own right.
- Has Frankie Dettori received any honors?
Yes. He was appointed an Honorary MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2000 for services to British horse racing.
- Did Frankie Dettori grow up in a racing family?
Yes. His father, Gianfranco Dettori, was a champion jockey in Italy. Frankie followed in his footsteps and moved to England as a teenager to train under Luca Cumani, a top trainer at the time.
- Has Frankie Dettori appeared in popular culture?
Dettori has been on shows like Celebrity Big Brother, Top Gear, and The Grand Tour. His charismatic personality and fame have made him one of the few jockeys to cross into mainstream celebrity status.
- Is Frankie Dettori married?
Yes, Frankie Dettori is married to Catherine Allen. The couple had their wedding on July 20, 1997, at the Catholic Church in Newmarket, England. They have five children: Leo, Ella, Mia, Tallulah, and Rocco. Ella, their eldest daughter, has followed in her father's footsteps and began her career as a jockey in 2021.
- Where does Frankie Dettori live?
Frankie, Catherine, and their kids have lived in various locations, including Stetchworth, East Cambridgeshire, England, near the Newmarket horse racing center. More recently, they have lived in the United States, where Dettori is currently working.
