Lanfranco Dettori was born in Milan in 1970, the son of champion Italian jockey Gianfranco Dettori, and became the most popular flat racing jockey of his generation.
Lanfranco Dettori was born in Milan in 1970, the son of champion Italian jockey Gianfranco Dettori, and became the most popular flat racing jockey of his generation. He joined Luca Cumani's yard in Newmarket as an apprentice in 1985 and developed into one of the finest riders in the sport's history. His defining day came on 28 September 1996 at Ascot, when he rode all seven winners on the card — a feat so statistically improbable that it has never been repeated. The Magnificent Seven won at prices ranging from 2-1 to 12-1, and the accumulator would have returned hundreds of thousands of pounds. He won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe three times aboard Enable in 2017 and 2018 and Waldgeist in 2019. He won the Derby twice, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes five times and was champion jockey in Britain three times. He has ridden over 3,000 winners in Britain alone and over 700 Group 1 winners globally. His flying dismount — a leap from the saddle into the air — became one of racing's most recognised celebrations. He served a ban following a positive drugs test in 2012, but returned to racing and continued at the top level past his 50s. His warmth, charisma and enthusiasm made him an ambassador for the sport beyond the racing world.
Magnificent Seven at Ascot 1996, winning all seven races on single day
How They Played
Aggressive tactical rider with exceptional big-race temperament
Lasting Impact
One of greatest flat racing jockeys, known for flying dismounts and major Group 1 victories
Magnificent 7 — all 7 races Ascot 1996
The Magnificent Seven win cost bookmakers an estimated £40–50 million — one of their worst days in history.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- Magnificent 7 — all 7 races Ascot 1996
- Champion Jockey 3x
- Arc de Triomphe 3x