Former jockey Frankie Dettori will remain under bankruptcy for an additional year as a judge decided not to automatically discharge his bankruptcy. During a specialized hearing, the trustees of Dettori’s bankruptcy requested an extension of the order, which was granted by the judge.
Bankruptcy orders typically end after a year in England and Wales but can be prolonged by a judge, requiring the bankrupt individual to adhere to the terms or face potential legal repercussions. Despite not attending the hearing or being represented, Dettori’s bankruptcy status was reviewed.
In March 2025, Dettori, who recently retired from racing, filed for bankruptcy in the United Kingdom following tax-related challenges from HMRC. The 55-year-old encountered issues after seeking specialized tax advice for managing his and his family’s finances.
In January, liquidators disclosed that Dettori was unlikely to settle his substantial tax debt amounting to £765,542 owed to HMRC, along with additional debts to a car leasing company and related fees totaling close to £900,000.
During the recent court session in London, Stefan Ramel, representing the trustees, highlighted Dettori’s non-compliance in disclosing information about his assets, particularly properties abroad. Chief Insolvency and Companies Court Judge Nicholas Briggs ruled to extend the bankruptcy order until March 16, 2027, citing Dettori’s persistent failure to cooperate.
Judge Briggs emphasized the possibility of criminal sanctions if cooperation continued to be lacking, noting undisclosed assets such as properties in France and Italy, a Piaget watch, a wine collection valued at around £70,000, and investments totaling approximately £365,000. Despite opportunities to present his case, Dettori did not attend court or engage legal representation.
Having initially retired in 2023 but later resuming his career in the United States and South America before his final race in February, Dettori, a decorated jockey with multiple British Classic wins, has transitioned into an ambassadorial role for the Amo Racing team.
Dettori has faced previous legal battles regarding his tax affairs, including unsuccessful attempts to maintain anonymity in tax tribunal proceedings. Despite past challenges, Dettori’s bankruptcy situation remains unresolved, with ongoing scrutiny into his financial disclosures and potential legal implications.