Former jockey Frankie Dettori will remain bankrupt for an additional year as a judge has decided not to automatically discharge his bankruptcy. During a specialized hearing, lawyers representing the trustees of Dettori’s bankruptcy requested the extension of the order for another year.
In England and Wales, bankruptcy orders typically end after a year but can be prolonged by a judge, keeping the individual bound by its conditions and subject to potential criminal charges for non-compliance. Despite the proceedings, Dettori was absent and had no legal representation at the hearing.
The retired jockey filed for bankruptcy in March 2025 while dealing with tax matters in the United Kingdom, following a dispute with HMRC. Dettori, aged 55, faced challenges concerning his financial affairs after engaging specialized tax advisors.
In January, liquidators disclosed that Dettori was unlikely to settle his substantial tax debt, amounting to £765,542 owed to HMRC and £6,391 to a car leasing company, with additional fees pushing the total debt to nearly £900,000.
During the recent court session in London, Stefan Ramel, representing the trustees, highlighted Dettori’s non-compliance with requests for asset information, such as potential foreign property ownership.
Judge Nicholas Briggs ruled to extend the bankruptcy order until March 16, 2027, citing Dettori’s blatant failure to provide requested information. The judge cautioned that continued lack of cooperation could lead to criminal repercussions and emphasized the importance of uncovering all aspects of the bankruptcy.
Additional concerns raised by Judge Briggs included undisclosed assets like a Piaget watch, a wine collection valued at approximately £70,000, and investments worth around £365,000. Despite the opportunity to present his case or engage legal representation, Dettori did not participate in the court proceedings.
Frankie Dettori initially retired from racing in 2023 but later resumed his career in the United States and South America before ultimately retiring in February. The renowned jockey, known for winning multiple British Classics and being a three-time British champion, has transitioned to an ambassadorial role for the Amo Racing team.
