Frankie Dettori to return to global racing stage for first time since filing for bankruptcy

The world famous jockey, who revealed this month he was declaring bankruptcy after trying to resolve his tax affairs in Britain, has mounts at the £23.5m Dubai World Cup meeting

Frankie Dettori is set to return to the global racing stage for the first time since filing for bankruptcy in Britain.

The world famous jockey moved to the US at the end of 2023 after a 32-year riding career in his adopted home in which he became the most recognisable figure in his sport.

While continuing to ride with success on the other side of the Atlantic, away from the track he has been attempting to untangle his tax arrangements in Britain after they were challenged by HMRC.

In December he lost a legal battle over his anonymity in proceedings at a specialist tax tribunal, after HMRC and the media said he should be identified.

After the hearing Dettori revealed issues had arisen after he had employed specialist tax advisers to look after his and his family’s financial affairs.

He said: “A structure was created and I was told that it had been approved by HMRC. Years later HMRC is now challenging that structure. My former advisers have since been dismissed.

“My new advisers and management team are working hard to unravel the mess that I have been put in. They are also working closely with HMRC to resolve the matter as swiftly as possible.”

Then during the Cheltenham Festival meeting, the jockey made the shock announcement that he was filing for bankruptcy.

A petition on behalf of Lanfranco Oscar Dettori of Hare Park Stud, Six Mile Bottom, near Newmarket was filed on March 13, the bankruptcy order dated March 17 and published in the London Gazette on March 21.

Dettori said: “For the last six-months, my advisors have been working with HMRC in an attempt to find a solution to my financial situation.

“Regretfully, I will be filing for bankruptcy.

“I am saddened and embarrassed by this outcome and would advise others to take a stronger rein over their financial matters.

“Bankruptcy is a major decision and its consequences will affect me for many years.

“I am relieved to be drawing a line on this long-term matter, which enables me to reset and focus on my international riding career.”

Dettori relocated from California to Florida this month to seek more opportunities away from the West Coast.

He rode his 12th winner of the year at Turfway Park in Kentucky on Saturday but will return to the big race spotlight next month when he rides at the Dubai World Cup meeting on April 5.

He has picked up two mounts for California trainer Doug O’Neill including Mixto in the Dubai World Cup.

Dettori has won four editions of the £9.2m race, a record he shares with Jerry Bailey, but Mixto, who was fourth in the Pegasus World Cup last time, is 40-1 with William Hill.

His best chance will come on O’Neill’s other runner Raging Torrent on whom Dettori recorded his most recent Grade 1 win in the Malibu Stakes. Raging Torrent is 4-1 favourite for the Godolphin Mile.