Jockey Frankie Dettori has withdrawn from Royal Ascot because of an arm injury.

He says it's "soul destroying" that he won't compete at the prestigious flat racing event - which he's described as the "most important week of the year".

Dettori says he's to receive physio treatment after realising this morning that he couldn't take part in day one.

In a statement, he said: "I've been trying so hard to get fit for today but had to accept this morning that it wasn't going to happen.

"I've got to have physio and get it properly looked after, so [I] won't be at Ascot this week. For me, that's soul destroying as it's the most important week of the year. I'll be counting the days until next year."

Day one gets underway this afternoon without the famous Italian and Ascot's clerk of the course, Chris Stickels, says it's a massive blow for the meeting.

"Frankie is synonymous with here and hopefully he gets back to join us soon," he said. "He'll be sorely missed."

Statement from @FrankieDettori who will not be riding at #RoyalAscot this week.

Get well soon Frankie. pic.twitter.com/zR23BBgMsV

— Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot) June 20, 2017