FRANKIE Dettori has declared himself bankrupt due to unpaid tax in Britain.

The 54-year-old jockey moved to the USA at the end of 2023, having put his Newmarket home up for rent and selling many of his trophies.

Last December Dettori lost a legal challenge over his right to anonymity in proceedings at a specialist tax tribunal, allowing him to be named after using a “tax avoidance scheme”.

At the time, Dettori said: “A few years ago I employed the services of professional specialist tax advisers to look after mine and my family’s financial affairs.A structure was created and I was told that it had been approved by [British revenue authority] HMRC.

“Years later HMRC is now challenging that structure. My former advisers have since been dismissed. My new advisers and management team are working hard to unravel the mess that I have been put in.”

This week the rider announced he had opted to file for bankruptcy, a decision he said left him “saddened and embarrassed”.

In a statement, 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.”

Tax arrears are written off once a person is discharged from bankruptcy.

In his 35-year career as a professional jockey, Dettori is thought to have earned over £15 million in prize money alone. He is likely to have received a retainer during his 18 years associated with Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin.

As perhaps the best-known face in racing, Dettori was also in demand for public appearances and commercial endorsements.

His fame also extends beyond racing, having been a captain on BBC programme A Question Of Sport, as well as taking part in the 2013 series of Celebrity Big Brother and I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here in 2023 before departing for America.