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.
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.
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.
Article continues below
"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."
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."
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."
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 )
Article continues below
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."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
Unless the Government axe the racing tax rise it will be goodbye Glorious Goodwood
LATE July is one of the most exciting times in our horse racing calendar. And next week we will celebrate one of the sport's most iconic meetings — Glorious Goodwood. 2 2 Few events capture the sport's history and tradition, its excitement and buzz, more than this glorious spectacle of racing on the South Downs. Thousands will go to the racecourse and millions more will watch it on TV — not just here at home but around the world. Like Royal Ascot before it, Glorious Goodwood is more than just five days of brilliant racing. It is a mix of world-leading sport, fashion and society and a vital soft power lever — as demonstrated by those attending from governments around the world — promoting the best of Britain on a global stage. Tearing the heart out As the MP for West Suffolk, and with Newmarket at the heart of my constituency, I know how these meetings, along with all the others which take place at the country's 59 racecourses throughout the year, showcase racing's vital role in Britain's economy, communities, culture and international reputation. But racing today faces the most serious threat to its future in generations, and if the Government has its way, we risk losing the likes of Glorious Goodwood forever. The Government is currently considering hammering British racing with a tax bombshell. It wants to bring the rate of tax on online horse race betting level with the rate placed on online games of chance — despite there being a huge difference between the two products. Yesterday, the Government closed its 12-week consultation period during which it sought the views of the sport and other interested parties over its so-called harmonisation plan. Racing's governing body, the British Horseracing Authority, led the sport's response in robustly opposing this unwelcome tax smash-and-grab, and hundreds more have made clear their objections to the Treasury officials who came up with this daft proposal. Winning jockey banned after 'extremely unusual' incident during controversial finish at Bath races And as they start wading through the responses which spell out in no uncertain terms the damage their reckless tax proposal could cause to racing, they should understand the strength of feeling shared by millions of people across Britain. According to the Treasury, its proposed Remote Betting and Gaming Duty is designed to simplify betting taxes. But in doing so, it would scrap the special treatment for betting on British racing that successive governments have recognised is needed due to the jobs it creates and its contribution to the economy. Betting on racing is currently taxed at 15 per cent while online slots are taxed at 21 per cent. The Treasury wants to harmonise those rates which means, more than likely, a tax raid on the sport. Racing is part of who we are. It is an essential part of our national sporting story. It is vital that the Government recognises that As many Sun readers who like to bet on the horses after studying the form will know, it is a different type of betting compared to online slot machines. And the current tax regime is designed to reflect both the higher costs borne by the sport — compared with online gaming — and racing's significant economic and social contribution to our country. In purely financial terms, harmonising the duty rates at even 21 per cent will hit racing's finances by £66million. Any higher and thousands of jobs will be lost across Britain. In a worst-case scenario, racecourses may be forced to close, tearing the heart out of their communities. Racing is part of who we are. It is an essential part of our national sporting story. It is vital that the Government recognises that. Without an exemption for horse racing from the harmonisation plans, Britain's second-largest spectator sport and a cherished part of the social fabric of our communities will suffer great harm. The Government, and the Treasury in particular, should take note and axe the racing tax That harm will be both economic and social. Let's start with the economics. Racing employs 85,000 people nationwide and adds over £4billion a year to our national income. Millions of pounds of international investment are drawn in from key trading markets by the world-leading standards of care, science and animal welfare found at British stud farms and training yards. Those in the local supply chain around those farms and yards and our racecourses will see their businesses affected if racing takes a financial hit. Just as important as the boost racing provides to the local and national economy is the way it knits itself into the social fabric of our communities. It helps to make up the identity and sense of place in racing towns. It brings together people from all backgrounds, unites families across generations, and is a way of life for communities around racecourses. Hammer blows And you, the voters, agree. A majority of Britons (68 per cent of Conservatives, 63 per cent of Reform voters, and 61 per cent of Labour voters) say horse racing is an important part of British culture, while two-thirds see racing as an important part of the identity of towns like Newmarket, Doncaster and Cheltenham. This damaging tax hike would be the third leg of a 'triple whammy' of challenges that represent an existential threat to the sport. Alongside the Government's failure to review the Horserace Betting Levy which funds the sport, and intrusive affordability checks placed on everyday punters, these financial hammer blows could tip racing into terminal decline. As they analyse the responses to their consultation, ministers and officials should understand just how many people's lives they will hurt by imposing a swingeing tax rise. It is millions of people in every corner of the country who enjoy attending race meetings and having a flutter on the horses. It is the people whose businesses and jobs depend on racing. It is the people whose civic pride derives from the local racecourse or their area's reputation as a centre of excellence for the rearing and welfare of horses. The Government, and the Treasury in particular, should take note and axe the racing tax.
North Wales Chronicle
6 hours ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Hunter ready for Aldcroft to get her happy ending at Rugby World Cup
Sarah Hunter ready for Aldcroft to get her happy ending at 2025 Rugby World Cup (Image: George WoodWorld Rugby via Getty Images) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Former England skipper Sarah Hunter believes Zoe Aldcroft deserves a happy World Cup ending at the 2025 Rugby World Cup. The Scarborough native was forced off with a concussion in the first half of the World Cup final three years ago as England went on to lose to hosts New Zealand. Aldcroft, who plays at lock, was named England captain earlier this year, nine years on from her Red Roses debut and will be reaming of lifting the trophy come September. 'Zoe Aldcroft is an unbelievable player, I think she just underestimates the presence that she has,' Hunter said. 'I am in awe when I watch her train; she is a machine. 'Her ability to just go to places where other people don't, her impact in a game and her work rate. 'The engine that she has, a lot of the unseen work she does but then she will have a moment of brilliance. 'She galvanises the team around her, when she speaks people listen. People can't not be inspired by the way she plays the game, the way she puts her body on the line.' Fresh threads for a big year 💙 The #RedRoses alternate kit for the 2025/26 season is here 🌹 — Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) July 21, 2025 Hunter has gone from captaining Aldcroft to coaching her, serving as England's defence coach since 2023. She transitioned into coaching immediately after retiring and has been supported by the Gallagher High Performance Academy. The initiative run by World Rugby will have helped almost 50 female coaches earn valuable coaching experience with their unions by the end of the 2025 Rugby World Cup, which begins on 22 August in Sunderland. Aldcroft is expected to lead England at a home World Cup, which the Red Roses enter the tournament as the overwhelming favourites and world number ones. Hunter added: 'Different coaches have different reasons of why they select their captain, but when you watch her play, she is definitely someone who is the standard bearer of how you want the game to be played. 'She is the one who you think 'I will follow you into battle', and quite often as captain that is what you want. 'You want someone out there, leading the charges, in front, Zoe Aldcroft will never take a backward step. 'The way she galvanises the team, the way she motivates them, she is just brilliant all-round. 'I really hope she gets the World Cup ending she deserves this time around, she got taken off in the final through a concussion, she is a pretty special player.' Gallagher is Right Here for Rugby; Right Here for Business; and Right Here for You.
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Best kids' football boots to buy including popular Adidas and Nike options
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more An Adidas Predator football boot on top of a Puma Premier League match ball (Image: Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images) If your little one is keen on a pair of football boots, you're in for a treat with numerous enticing deals and offers available this summer. From well-known brands like Nike and Adidas to lesser-known treasures, there's something to suit every taste. Choosing the ideal pair of boots for your child can be tricky, considering factors like growth spurts, changing trends and playing surfaces. While style matters, it's crucial that the boots you purchase are comfortable and provide adequate protection against injuries. Although many professional players nowadays opt for laceless designs, laced boots remain a dependable option offering solid support and a snug fit. With a plethora of choices out there, we've selected some of the top kids' football boots available this summer. The Adidas Predator League with a fold-over tongue is one of the most sought-after pairs of kids' football boots at Sports Direct this summer, boasting 133 five-star reviews. The rubber 'Strikescale fins' on the instep, iconic fold-over tongue and a flexible 'Hybridfeel' upper are designed to enhance control and improve ball-striking. The boot is 100 per cent synthetic across the upper parts, lining and sole. Slashed from a RRP of £59.99 to just £50, there's a choice of five snazzy colourways for your little one: White/Black/Lemon, Black/Grey, White/Pink, Red/White, and White/Black/Gold. Recent reviews on Sports Direct are raving about the Adidas Predator League boots, with all of the last three giving it a top-notch five-star rating. A chuffed parent, known as 'Mcil', gushed: "Cool pair of football boots. Got these for my son for his birthday, and he loves them! They look great and are a perfect fit." The Adidas Predator League Fold-Over Tongue Children's Firm Ground Football Boots (Image: Sports Direct: Bag a bargain for your footie-mad kids with the Nike Mercurial Vapor 16 Club boots, now at a steal with JD Sports' hefty discount. Crafted from robust synthetic leather and adorned with textured details, these boots mean business. The iconic Mercurials, debuted by Brazilian superstar Ronaldo in the 1998 World Cup, boast a plastic plated underfoot and firm ground molded studs for unbeatable grip. Snap them up for a mere £20 at JD Sports – that's a whopping 56 per cent off the original price of £45. Plus, you can add a personal touch with up to six characters – just remember personalised gear can't be returned and might take an extra eight to ten days to arrive. The Nike Mercurial Vapor 16 Club boots (Image: JD Sports: For the budding footballer, the Concave Kids Volt+ boots are sensibly priced and ideal for those just kicking off their football journey. Featuring an 'ultra-thin PU' synthetic upper, these boots promise to shape to your child's feet for supreme ball control. The boots also incorporate 'Powerstrike technology' on the upper part of the laces to facilitate a cleaner contact with the ball. Concave also touts a dual-lacing system for a snug fit. You can snag a pair of Concave Kids Volt+ boots on Pro Direct for a mere £15, reduced from £45. While they're one of the most budget-friendly options for your child this summer, one review suggests they may not be the best choice for those with wide feet. The Concave Kids Volt+ FG boots in black and white on Pro Direct (Image: Pro Direct:
