Former professional jockey Frankie Dettori will remain bankrupt for an additional year following a court ruling that his bankruptcy will not be automatically discharged. During a specialized hearing, the trustees of Dettori’s bankruptcy requested an extension of the order for another year, 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 individual to adhere to the terms and risking legal consequences if they fail to cooperate. Despite not attending the hearing or being represented, Dettori’s bankruptcy status was addressed.
Dettori, who retired from racing recently, filed for bankruptcy in March 2025 after facing tax challenges from HMRC while trying to address his financial matters. His bankruptcy was fueled by a substantial tax debt, with liquidators indicating that it was unlikely for him to settle the outstanding amount.
During the court proceedings, it was highlighted that Dettori had not been forthcoming with information about his assets, including potential properties abroad. The judge ruled in favor of prolonging the bankruptcy order until March 16, 2027, citing Dettori’s lack of cooperation and failure to provide essential details as reasons for the decision.
Concerns were raised about undisclosed assets, including properties in France and Italy, a valuable watch, a wine collection, and significant investments. Despite opportunities to present his case or engage legal representation, Dettori did not take action, leading to the continuation of his bankruptcy status.
Dettori, known for his successful racing career and multiple British Classic wins, retired in 2023 but later resumed racing before his final race in February. He has since transitioned to an ambassadorial role for the Amo Racing team.
The legal battles surrounding Dettori’s tax affairs have been ongoing, with previous attempts to maintain anonymity in court proceedings being unsuccessful. Despite various legal maneuvers, the issues regarding his tax deductions and financial matters have persisted, ultimately leading to the current bankruptcy situation.