Frankie Dettori: Global Jockeys’ Personal Odyssey from Bankrupt to Comeback Hero
Frankie Dettori, a titan of horse racing, had a tumultuous couple of years. He enjoyed years of success back in the UK before re-energizing his career in the U.S. in 2023. However, in 2025, it was revealed that he had gone bankrupt due to a tax dispute with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
And this is not the end of the road for Dettori. It details his business career transition and financial struggles before becoming an analyst at a horse-racing betting company, where he has continued to defy the odds.
Dettori’s American Dream: A New Chapter in Horse Racing
Frankie Dettori traveled from the UK racing scene to California in 2023. His goal was straightforward: keep racing at a high level and open new gates. Renowned for his record-breaking “Magnificent Seven” successes at Ascot in 1996 and more than 3,000 wins across the U.K., Dettori’s skillset extended across the Atlantic.
He signed on with the U.S. and quickly made waves. He had 76 wins in 2023 and ranked 13th in earnings in 2024. From Grade I stakes races to Santa Anita showdowns, Dettori proved he still had the magic. Fans welcomed his return, and the Netflix docuseries Race for the Crown chronicled the dramatic ride.
A Stumble On The Big Stage: Bankruptcy In 2025
Yet after on-track success, 2025 began with troubling news. In March, Dettori declared himself bankrupt following a dispute with His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. He did confess to utilizing a tax avoidance structure, once believed to be sanctioned, that was subsequently contested.
Dettori said he felt “saddened and embarrassed” but relieved to put the episode behind him. He advised others to be vigilant about their finances and said he would rebuild. His public statement struck a chord beyond racing fans, who saw not just a jockey but a man who could not duck hard truths.
Winning: Dettori Continued Competing Globally
Dettori wasn’t deterred by bankruptcy. He even rejoined the racetrack, determined yet with a fresh perspective. In March 2025, he rode Classic of Course to win the Cutler Bay. In April, he won his eighth Godolphin Mile on Raging Torrent, losing just to Dubai World Cup.
Other trainers, such as Kenny McPeek, are still keen to have a partnership with him, mentioning him as a possibility for the Epsom Derby. Though averse, Dettori is still one of the most wanted jockeys globally. His skill, concentration, and drive keep him in the hunt, race after race.
Life After Equine Sport: Business and Television Success
Dettori is not only a rider — he’s a brand. In 2023, he opened Number7, a Southern Italian restaurant at Royal Ascot, partnering with the chef Francesco Mazzei. For two consecutive years, it was the most-visited eating destination at the event.
He also partners with Racing Breaks, providing luxury race-day travel experiences. Dettori’s still on-screen has included A Question of Sport, Celebrity Big Brother, and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!. His appeal and fame extend beyond the racetrack, creating a worldwide following that transcends sports, cuisine, and entertainment.
Back In The Saddle: The Path Forward
Dettori might be in his 50s, but he’s not done yet. His story is one of resilience now — a champion working to rebuild after life took a wrong turn, even as he thrived in his sport. At Kentucky or Dubai, Ascot or Santa Anita, he remains the attraction, pulling fans and victories. His bankruptcy may have made news, but it hasn’t defined him. Instead, it became a footnote in an even bigger story: one in which talent, humility, and hard work still reign.
FAQs
What led to Frankie Dettori’s bankruptcy?
Dettori went bankrupt in early 2025 after a row with HMRC over an avoidance scheme he had had in previous years.
Frankie Dettori owes £1m and is still racing after bankruptcy
Yes, Dettori is still riding internationally and has won several races in 2025, including the Cutler Bay and Godolphin Mile.
Where does Dettori live now?
Frankie Dettori is based in California, concentrating on American racing.
Is he finished racing?
No. It modeled his trajectory after Dettori, who announced his retirement in 2022 but quickly changed course and continued competing in 2025.
What else is Dettori working on?
He co-owns a restaurant at Royal Ascot, works on television, and partners with Racing Breaks to sell travel packages.
Final Words
There is nothing typical about Frankie Dettori’s journey. From UK glory to U.S. career revival, from personal financial strife to huge victories, his journey is one of extraordinary endurance.
In each race, he demonstrates that setbacks create new opportunities for fresh starts. Dettori isn’t simply racing horses — he’s forging ahead in life, outpacing the world on a lesson of persistence.
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