Tributes have poured in from celebrities up and down the country as world renowned jockey, Frankie Dettori was today inducted into the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame – the Hall of Fame for British Flat racing (Horseracinghof.com).

The likes of Vinnie Jones, Ronnie Wood and Clare Balding OBE sent messages of congratulations to Dettori for his induction, as the revered jockey became the third jockey – and the first current jockey – to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, following other greats in Lester Piggott and Pat Eddery. You can watch the full video here.

Actor and former footballer Vinnie Jones said: “Congratulations Frankie, son. I’ve just heard that they’ve put you in the horseracing Hall of Fame. If you weren’t in it, it wouldn’t be a Hall of Fame. It’s a good job them boots were tight when I hung you over the balcony at Epsom because if they’d come off, you wouldn’t be getting in the Hall of Fame! I’m so proud of you, so pleased for you and your family, unbelievable, well done son.”

Past and present stars of Dettori’s football club, Arsenal, saluted the 51-year-old Italian jockey, including goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, defender Ben White and club legend Ian Wright.

Wright said: “Frankie Dettori, many congratulations on being inducted into the Hall of Fame – very, very well deserved. I can’t tell you how happy I am for you. You’re a great character, a great rider, and you’re a Gooner, what can I say.”

Jump racing legend Sir AP McCoy OBE and ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlin also offered their congratulations to Dettori for his contribution to the sport of racing.

Chamberlin said: “Frankie, so many congratulations on becoming the first current jockey to be inducted into the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame. What you’ve done for this sport, both in this country and globally cannot be over-emphasised. You’ve transcended this sport and done so much good. Hence this honour is so richly deserved. Massive congratulations.”

Launched in 2021, the Hall of Fame sets out to immortalise the Modern Greats of the sport, both human and equine, from 1970 onwards. Dettori enters the Hall of Fame alongside legendary horse Dancing Brave, the first to be inducted in 2022, both having been chosen by an independent panel of industry experts in recognition of their outstanding achievements within the sport. Her Majesty The Queen was the last to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, within the Special Contributor category, in October last year.

Both new inductions will be officially recognised through a special presentation moment at Newmarket Racecourse on Saturday 30th April, ahead of the first British Classic of the year, the QIPCO 2000 Guineas, which also marks the start of the QIPCO British Champions Series.