Will Frankie Dettori Ride at Doncaster’s St Leger Festival? Racing Legend Faces Fitness Race

Frankie Dettori could make a remarkable return to the saddle at Doncaster Racecourse next week, with the legendary former jockey working to prove his fitness in time for the 2026 Betfred Leger Legends race.

The 55-year-old had already been confirmed for the popular charity contest on Friday 11th September before being involved in a serious car accident near Newmarket in July.

Dettori suffered four broken ribs and a fractured thumb after the car he was driving was struck from behind and flipped onto its roof. Despite those injuries, hopes remain that one of racing’s most recognisable figures could still take his place in the saddle during a landmark St Leger Festival.

Will Frankie Dettori ride in the Leger Legends race?

Dettori remains among the jockeys scheduled to participate in the 2026 Leger Legends, although he will have to receive the necessary medical clearance before he can compete.

Andrew Thornton, the Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning former jockey who helps organise the riders for the race, revealed that Dettori is doing everything possible to be ready.

“He’ll have to pass the medical and jump through the hoops to get back, but he’s doing his best to get himself ready for it and we’re hoping that’ll be the case,” Thornton said.

“It’s a race against time, but he’ll be at Doncaster no matter what across the four days. Hopefully he’s able to ride in the race.”

It means Dettori’s presence at the St Leger Festival is expected regardless of whether he is ultimately cleared to race, but a return to action would add another major storyline to an already historic week at Doncaster.

Dettori could ride in Britain for first time since 2023

Should Dettori pass his medical, the Leger Legends would mark his first ride in Britain for almost three years.

His most recent appearance in the saddle on British soil came in October 2023, when he partnered King Of Steel to victory in the Champion Stakes at Ascot for Amo Racing.

Dettori subsequently extended his career in the United States after initially planning to retire in 2023, before eventually bringing his race-riding career to an end in Brazil in February 2026. He has since become a global ambassador for Amo Racing.

A Doncaster appearance would therefore provide British racegoers with a rare opportunity to watch Dettori compete once again.

Leger Legends moves to Friday at Doncaster

There will be an even greater spotlight on the Leger Legends in 2026 after the charity race was moved to Friday 11th September, when action from Doncaster will be broadcast by ITV.

The contest is the only British charity race exclusively for former professional jockeys and raises money for the Injured Jockeys Fund.

It will also take place during an historic edition of the St Leger Festival, with 2026 marking 250 years since the first running of the St Leger in 1776.

Thornton said: “It’s great to have it shine in a historic year and the Leger Legends adds plenty to the four days at Doncaster.

“It’s run under BHA rules and everyone has to pass their medicals. You don’t get many classified races like it any more, and it’s one of the most competitive races of the year generally, with usually 16 runners and 5-1 the field.”

Who else is riding in the 2026 Leger Legends?

Even if Dettori is unable to compete, an impressive collection of former jockeys is set to return to the saddle.

Recently retired Joe Fanning and Richard Patrick feature alongside Adam Kirby, Colm O’Donoghue, Gay Kelleway, Franny Norton, Sammy Jo Bell, Megan Nicholls and Tom Scudamore among a sizeable field of familiar racing names.

Former jockey and Union J singer JJ Hamblett is also set to participate, adding another dimension to a race designed to raise both money and awareness for the work carried out by the Injured Jockeys Fund.

“It’s always a great line-up, but this year could be one of the best,” Thornton said. “There could be nearly 20,000 winners among them.”

Experience the 2026 St Leger Festival at Doncaster

Whether Dettori receives clearance or not, the 2026 Betfred St Leger Festival is shaping up to be one of Doncaster Racecourse’s biggest meetings in recent memory.

Racing takes place from Thursday 10th to Sunday 13th September, with the Leger Legends forming part of Friday’s action before the 250th anniversary edition of the St Leger Stakes takes centre stage on Saturday 12th September.

Eventmasters offers a wide range of St Leger Festival hospitality packages across the four days, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy one of British racing’s great occasions in VIP surroundings.

Options include the Conduit Restaurant, Home Straight Restaurant, Sky Garden Restaurant, Triple Crown Restaurant and Private Boxes, with packages combining excellent views of the racing with premium dining and hospitality.

With Dettori potentially returning to the saddle, a high-class collection of former jockeys coming together for charity and the St Leger celebrating a landmark anniversary, Doncaster is preparing for four days with plenty of racing history attached.

Betfred St Leger Festival 2026 FAQs

Is Frankie Dettori riding at the St Leger Festival in 2026?

Frankie Dettori is currently scheduled to take part in the Betfred Leger Legends race at Doncaster on Friday 11th September. However, he must pass the required medical checks after suffering broken ribs and a fractured thumb in a car accident in July.

Is Frankie Dettori riding in the St Leger Stakes?

No. Dettori is hoping to compete in the Leger Legends charity race on Friday 11th September. The 2026 St Leger Stakes itself takes place on Saturday 12th September.

When is the 2026 Betfred St Leger Festival?

The 2026 Betfred St Leger Festival takes place at Doncaster Racecourse from Thursday 10th to Sunday 13th September.

When is the 2026 Leger Legends race?

The Leger Legends takes place on Friday 11th September 2026 as part of the St Leger Festival at Doncaster Racecourse.

Why is the 2026 St Leger Festival significant?

The meeting celebrates the 250th anniversary of the first running of the St Leger, which dates back to 1776. The St Leger Stakes takes place on Saturday 12th September.

Can I book St Leger Festival hospitality with Eventmasters?

Yes. Eventmasters offers VIP hospitality packages for the 2026 Betfred St Leger Festival at Doncaster Racecourse, including Private Boxes and hospitality within the Conduit Restaurant, Home Straight Restaurant, Sky Garden Restaurant and Triple Crown Restaurant.