Dettori Rides To Winning Post Again

Star jockey Frankie Dettori has been awarded an honorary doctorate in science by Anglia Ruskin.

anglia ruskin Cambridge celebrities Corn Exchange degree Frankie Dettori honorary degree honorary doctorate kylie minouge racing Richard and Judy richard madley university

The Italian mini-maestro Frankie Dettori has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Cambridge’s other university, Anglia Ruskin. It’s latest achievement for a Champion Jockey who is used to the surroundings of the winners’ enclosure.

Last Thursday, he found himself in the rather different surroundings of Cambridge’s Corn Exchange. The university decided to give Dettori a Doctor of Science degree for his achievements in the racing industry.

Everyone’s favourite Italian Jockey joined hundreds of students as he picked up his doctorate at Angelia Ruskin’s graduation ceremony. He also joined a host of other big names who were also recieving honorary doctorates, including Richard from Richard and Judy and Kylie Minogue.

The slicked backed, perma tanned Italian was clearly delighted with his new doctorate, saying: “I’m really proud to receive an honorary doctorate and I can’t wait to show the pictures to my children. My wife, Catherine, was here and she’s very proud.”

Clearly, academia runs in the family as his father-in-law is a professor. Now the chances of meeting Dr Dettori have doubled. Dettori’s doctorate has coincided with increased investment in equine research facilities at the university, including a new Equine Therapy centre.

Dettori in action – no riding was required to pick up honorary doctorate

Dettori has a prodigious record as a jockey. He’s won a staggering 2,450 races – including winning all seven races on one day at Ascot. Early in his career he was also the first teenager since the legendary Lester Piggott to win 100 races in a season.

However, most remember him for the torment that the Epsom Derby has inflicted on him.  Year after year, one of the most famous British Classics races would elude him. He was put out of his misery in 2007 when at the fifteenth attempt, he rode Authorized to victory. It completed his collection of British Classics victories, and cemented his place as one of the all-time great jockeys.

It seems like the diminutive Italian just can’t avoid that winning feeling.