Frankie Dettori set to return to Royal Ascot for first time since bankruptcy declaration

Wales Online

6 hours ago

Frankie Dettori set to return to Royal Ascot for first time since bankruptcy declaration
Frankie Dettori won 81 times at the Royal meeting and topped the jockey standings at the five-day extravaganza on seven occasions, but he's not back in the saddle at Ascot this week
Frankie Dettori will be watching Royal Ascot as a spectator like last year
(Image: Wire Image via Getty Images )
Legendary jockey Frankie Dettori is set to return to Royal Ascot this week, albeit not in the saddle.
The 54-year-old, who has ridden 81 winners at the five-day racing event and topped the leaderboard for most winners seven times, quit Britain after 35 years at the end of 2023. Despite announcing his retirement, he made a U-turn and resumed his career in the US.
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This month, he celebrated his biggest win since relocating, riding Raging Torrent to victory in the £1million Metropolitan Handicap at Saratoga. Raging Torrent's success has contributed to Dettori's 21 wins in the US in 2025, earning him £2.3m, following a difficult start to the year when he declared bankruptcy in Britain, reports the Mirror.
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A petition on his behalf was filed in March after his tax arrangements were challenged by HMRC. "I am saddened and embarrassed by this outcome and would advise others to take a stronger rein over their financial matters," he said in a statement at the time.
"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 attended Royal Ascot as a spectator last year and plans to do the same this year, despite feeling the pull to ride competitively again before he retires. "I won't lie to you, I do have the little devil on my shoulder that says to me, 'One more time,' but I just didn't think that this year or last year would have been appropriate," confessed Dettori in a blog for betting site Stake.
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"But I will be coming over to Ascot, with a little bit of anxiety feeling that I could have rode. I did get some offers but I am not going to lie, I do miss it. I had over 80 winners, it has been a huge part of my life. It is quite hard but after a few champagnes, I get over it. I really do miss it though.
It's Dettori's first time at the meeting since declaring bankruptcy
(Image: Getty Images )
"I will be there this year. There is a bit of a period from now until Saratoga, I will fly over this weekend, it is my daughter's birthday and I will try and see as many kids as I can in my tribe of five, and show my face at Royal Ascot and see some old friends before I come back to Saratoga and start again. I use this opportunity to enjoy the racing and then see the family."
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Dettori offered his tips for the Group 1 races at Ascot this week, with the action getting underway on Tuesday and running through to Saturday.
Queen Anne Stakes: "It is an amazing race. I really like Rosallion, he ran a super race last time out and I would also put in the American horse, Carl Spackler. I was second to him at Keeneland and he absolutely destroyed me. He is a horse that is improving, not a typical American horse as he is easy to handle, the occasion will not get to him. He could be a bit of a price."
King Charles III Stakes: "You could name 10 contenders in this race, but I've gone with last year's winner - Asfoora. In my opinion, he stands head and shoulders above the rest. He's had a prep run and I wouldn't be surprised if he's been specifically trained for this race. It's the toughest race of the week to predict."
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Ascot was a happy hunting ground for the legendary jockey
(Image: PA )
St James's Palace Stakes: "This is likely the best race of the week. We might see three Guineas winners competing, but I'd love to see my old boss, John Gosden, win it with Field Of Gold. I was incredibly impressed last time, he's still improving, and I reckon he'll be one of the NAPs for the week. I'd be surprised if he gets beaten."
Prince of Wales's Stakes: "There are a few you could consider, but I'm going to stick with the obvious choice, Los Angeles. He has stamina, a big heart, and Ryan Moore will keep him prominent. Any horse that passes him will win, but possibly none will, because he'll put them to the test. He's a fighter too, so I'll back him."
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Ascot Gold Cup: "Aidan O'Brien's runner, Kyprios, is out, leaving a big gap. They're now relying on Illinois, but I'm going to stick with a horse that loves Ascot. He has stamina, he's not Stradivarius, but Trawlerman is as reliable as they come. John has trained him specifically for this race this year, so I know Trawlerman is a solid bet."
Commonwealth Cup: "This is my NAP in the Group 1s of the week - Shadow Of Light. He demonstrated great speed in the Guineas, most of the good horses have gone to the St James's Palace, I reckon this leaves the door open for him to show his stuff. He could be my banker of the week, Field Of Gold would have been a bit too obvious."
Dettori is backing hot favourite Field of Gold
(Image: PA )
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Coronation Stakes: "This was my last Royal Ascot winner, it took me years to get it, in this race. Zarigana is my pick. She was a lucky winner of the French Guineas but she is a top class filly. Mikael Barzalona gave her too much to do and got beat but won it in the Stewards Room, but he won't make that mistake again."
Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes: "I fancy Inisherin, Kevin Ryan's horse. I have chosen him, it is a wide open race, you also have to consider the Japanese horse they are raving about, you have to."
Longshot of the week: "I have selected Billy Loughnane, the up and coming young jockey, he is riding the crest of a wave right now so I am going with the one he rides, Oliver Show in the Royal Hunt Cup." Banker of the week (non-Group 1): "I couldn't leave him out - Willie Mullins. His runner in the Queen Alexandra Stakes - Sober."