Former jockey Frankie Dettori’s bankruptcy will continue for another year as a judge ruled against automatic discharge. During a specialized hearing, trustees of Dettori’s bankruptcy requested an extension of the order, which was granted by the court.
Bankruptcy orders typically end after a year but can be prolonged by a judge, obliging the bankrupt individual to adhere to the terms or face potential legal consequences. Despite the proceedings, Dettori did not attend the hearing nor had legal representation.
The retired jockey filed for bankruptcy in March 2025 in the United Kingdom due to tax issues following a dispute with HMRC. Liquidators disclosed that Dettori was unlikely to settle his substantial tax debt totaling over £765,000, along with additional debts, pushing the total near £900,000.
Trustees expressed concerns over Dettori’s non-compliance in providing essential asset information, including possible foreign property ownership. The court, presided over by Chief Insolvency and Companies Court Judge Nicholas Briggs, extended the bankruptcy order until March 16, 2027, citing Dettori’s failure to cooperate adequately.
Judge Briggs emphasized the potential for criminal sanctions if cooperation continued to be lacking. He highlighted undisclosed assets such as properties in France and Italy, a valuable watch, a wine collection worth approximately £70,000, and investments totaling around £365,000. Despite opportunities to present his case, Dettori did not engage with the court.
Having initially retired in 2023 before returning to racing in the United States and South America, Dettori concluded his career in February. With a decorated racing history, including multiple British Classic wins and champion titles, Dettori has transitioned into an ambassadorial role for the Amo Racing team.
Dettori has a history of legal battles concerning tax matters, notably contesting HMRC’s income tax deductions decision. Previous attempts to maintain anonymity in legal proceedings were unsuccessful, culminating in ongoing financial challenges and legal scrutiny.