From Racing Glory to Personal Struggles
Frankie Dettori, the legendary jockey known for his incredible riding skills, is set to enter the I'm A Celebrity jungle this month, marking another milestone in his eventful career. However, behind the fame and success, Dettori has faced significant lows, including a cocaine arrest and a battle with bulimia.
From Racing Champion to Cocaine Bust
Dettori's troubles began at a young age when he was arrested for buying cocaine outside a London club at just 22 years old. Although he received a caution, the incident cost him a £200,000 racing contract in Hong Kong. Determined to support him, Dettori's dad and stepmum came to live with him, hoping to keep him on the right path.
A Terrifying Plane Crash
In 2020, Dettori experienced a near-death experience when he was involved in a horrifying plane crash. As the aircraft plummeted towards the ground, Dettori thought about his young family and his success in the racing world. Miraculously, he survived the crash but spent weeks in the hospital. This incident prompted him to reevaluate his career and choose his mounts more carefully.
Battling Bulimia and Personal Demons
Despite his continued success in the racing world, Dettori faced personal struggles that pushed him to the edge. He turned to cocaine once again, leading to his wife leaving him and a six-month ban from racing. This dark period also marked the onset of his battle with bulimia. Dettori's weight became dangerously low, and he admitted to making himself sick multiple times a day. He described it as self-harming and a result of his frustration, depression, and anxiety.
A Comeback and Continuing Success
Despite these challenges, Dettori managed to fight back and regain his position as one of the top jockeys in the world. He announced his racing farewell for the 2023 Breeders Cup but surprised everyone by revealing that he will continue racing in the US from next year. It seems that no matter what obstacles come his way, Dettori is determined to come back fighting.
Frankie Dettori's life has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, from his incredible racing triumphs to his personal struggles with addiction and eating disorders. As he enters the I'm A Celebrity jungle, fans wonder if he will open up about his troubled past and shed light on his journey of resilience and redemption.
