LANFRANCO “Frankie” Dettori is the most famous jockey in the world, reguarly making headlines for winning staggering cash prizes.
However, the jockey filed for bankruptcy in March 2025 after a long and “embarrassing” battle with HMRC.
Who is Frankie Dettori?
Frankie was born on December 15, 1970, in Milan, Italy.
He is the son of Sardinian jockey Gianfranco, a racing legend in Italy.
Frankie rode his first winning horse at the age of 16, in 1987, at Goodwood.
Since then, he has ridden over 3,000 winners in his career and has won competitions including the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
He shocked fans when he announced that he would be retiring in 2023, only to change his mind days before hanging up his breeches.
Speaking in a short video on X, he said: “Hi everyone, it’s Frankie here.
“I’m in London for British Champions Day which will be my last one I had in England.
“But a scoop for you guys, I’ve decided to prolong my career, I’m going to go to the United States from next year.
“Keep on following me.”
He followed up his return to racing by entering the I’m a Celebrity Jungle, where he was eliminated after just two weeks.
Frankie’s financial fears
Frankie was one of the highest-earning jockeys in the business for several years, with the OLGB ranking him at 37th highest paid in the world.
He was reportedly worth between £15 million and £18 million and raked in over £153 million in 2022.
However, on March 13, 2025, Frankie revealed that he was filling for bankruptcy.
Opening up about his financial situation Frankie said: “For the last six-months, my advisors have been working with HMRC in an attempt to find a solution to my financial situation.
“Regretfully, I will be filing for bankruptcy.
“I am saddened and embarrassed by this outcome and would advise others to take a stronger rein over their financial matters.
“Bankruptcy is a major decision and its consequences will affect me for many years.
“I am relieved to be drawing a line on this long-term matter, which enables me to reset and focus on my international riding career.”
Frankie’s lawyers fought hard to keep his name secret during his battle with HMRC, but he was ultimately named in court documents last year.
Living in America
Frankie made the move to America almost a year before news of his bankruptcy broke.
He was enjoying his lavish lifestyle, which he said made him feel “like Tom Cruise”.
Frankie said: “The town speaks, eats, and breathes racing. I feel like Tom Cruise walking down the streets. Everyone is calling my name. I love it here.
“To ride every day with 20,000-plus people watching is a novelty. You don’t see that anymore.”
He did not indicate whether he would be returning to the UK for Cheltenham Festival 2025, which occurred at the same time as his bankruptcy announcement.
Cheltenham 2025 kicked off on March 11, 2025, and concludes on March 14.
