Horse Racing: Bravery shown at Dettori plane crash

Former jockey Ray Cochrane was today receiving a Queen’s Commendation for Bravery for the courage he showed when rescuing fellow rider Frankie Dettori from the wreckage of a crashed plane.

The twin-engined Piper Seneca clipped a ditch as it took off from Newmarket racecourse on June 1 2000. The plane crashed and minutes later burst into flames.

The jockeys were the only passengers in the plane, which was heading for Goodwood. Mr Cochrane, 44, dragged Mr Dettori away from the light aircraft. He tried in vain to save the life of pilot Patrick Mackey, 52, who died when the plane caught fire.

Mr Cochrane said he was beaten back by the intense heat of the flames. He damaged an already-injured back. He also suffered burns and blurred vision in his right eye. He has since retired from the turf.

Mr Dettori suffered a broken ankle and spent several days in hospital. He was later able to return to racing.

A report by the Department of Transport’s Air Accident Investigation Branch said the Mr Mackey, of Axminster, Devon, lacked training on the type of plane involved.

A jury at Mr Mackey’s inquest ruled his death was accidental.