FRANKIE DETTORI has issued a huge career update amid rumours he could make a spectacular British return at Royal Ascot.
The world’s most famous jockey has continued riding in the States since filing for bankruptcy in March.
Frankie Dettori blew a kiss to the camera as he confirmed his riding arrangements for the summer amid rumours of a Royal Ascot return
Dettori came close to a £6million win in Dubai barely weeks after his ’embarrassing’ downfall – that saw him named at the centre of a tax avoidance scheme.
He didn’t get his dream of a Kentucky Derby winner – the main reason he moved to the States.
And rumours had been rife he could be the man to step in for Kieran Shoemark after he lost his job as No1 rider for father-son training duo John and Thady Gosden.
Dettori was the main for John Gosden during his final years riding in Britain.
They enjoyed huge success with the likes of Stradivarius and ‘mare in a million’ Enable.
Punters thought Dettori could be the man to steer the likes of Field Of Gold to Royal Ascot success.
Especially after Shoemark lost his role on the back of his runner-up finish on the grey in the 2000 Guineas.
But Dettori, 54, appeared to confirm his riding plans for the summer in a video posted from the racecourse.
In the video captioned ‘A big kiss from @ChurchillDowns’, he said: “If you’re wondering, I’m still at Churchill Downs.
“I’m planning to stay here for the rest of the spring and I’ll be spending the summer in Saratoga.
“Kiss from Churchill Downs.”
A lot can change in the month between now and Royal Ascot.
And American trainers are always quick to snap up Dettori’s services at the famous Berkshire track – especially after he became a global star with his Magnificent Seven.
But Dettori’s latest words appear to confirm he will definitely be staying in the US rather than jetting back to ride at Flat racing’s biggest meeting.
The iconic jockey said he was ’embarrassed and saddened’ after he was named in the tax avoidance scheme.
He had fought to keep his identity a mystery but media organisations and HMRC successfully challenged the anonymity order.
Dad-of-five Dettori and his lawyers said he was told the scheme was approved by the taxman.
The iconic rider 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.”
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