Frankie Dettori makes special request to media on return to global racing stage

The world famous jockey, who revealed this month he was declaring bankruptcy after trying to resolve his tax affairs in Britain, has mounts at the £23.5m Dubai World Cup meeting on Saturday

Frankie Dettori has made a special request as he returns to the global racing stage for the first time since filing for bankruptcy. The world famous jockey moved to the US at the end of 2023 after a 32 years riding career in his adopted home in which he became the most recognisable figure in his sport.

While continuing to ride with success on the other side of the Atlantic, away from the track he has been attempting to untangle his tax arrangements in Britain after they were challenged by HMRC.

In December he lost a legal battle over his anonymity in proceedings at a specialist tax tribunal, after HMRC and the media said he should be identified.

READ MORE: John Hunt BBC Grand National commentary team to include first female caller in 73 yearsREAD MORE: Grand National 2025: Pick your perfect horse using our handy interactive tool

After the hearing Dettori revealed issues had arisen after he had employed specialist tax advisers to look after his and his family’s financial affairs.

Then during the Cheltenham Festival meeting, the jockey made the shock announcement that he was filing for bankruptcy. A petition on behalf of Lanfranco Oscar Dettori for Hare Park Stud, Six Mile Bottom, near Newmarket was filed on March 13, the bankruptcy order dated March 17 and published on March 21.

Dettori 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.”

Dettori will return to the big race spotlight on Saturday when he rides at the Dubai World Cup meeting. He has three mounts, Mixto in the Dubai World Cup, Remake in the Golden Shaheen and Raging Torrent in the Godolphin Mile.

Raging Torrent, on whom Dettori recorded his most recent Grade 1 win in the Malibu Stakes, is the race favourite and the horse most likely to return the jockey to the winners’ circle.

With that possibility in mind, the Italian has made a specialist request to the the organisers which has been distributed to the media at Meydan.

It said: “Frankie Dettori’s team has requested that if he is part of a winning team on Dubai World Cup night, all media interactions should be limited to questions on horse racing and his experience here at the Dubai World Cup.

“No questions on his personal life will be entertained and we request media to please respect that.”