Frankie Dettori working with HMRC after tax dispute is exposed

Frankie Dettori has said he is "working closely" with HMRC after failing in his attempt to retain his anonymity regarding a tax dispute.

In a statement, the jockey said he was working to "unravel the mess" he had been put in and that he had dismissed his now former advisers.

"A few years ago, I employed the services of professional specialist tax advisers to look after mine and my family’s financial affairs," said Dettori. 

“A structure was created and I was told that it had been approved by 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. They are also working closely with HMRC to resolve the matter as swiftly as possible.”

Dettori went to a tax tribunal this year to attempt to suppress publication of his name over a dispute with HMRC over a tax bill, which he is said to have paid in full before the decision on his anonymity was overturned on Monday. 

An HMRC spokesperson said: "We welcome this decision, which represents an important win for the principle of open justice. We’re committed to ensuring everyone pays the right tax under the law, regardless of wealth or status."

Dettori is now based in California having relocated to the United States after abandoning plans to retire at the end of last year.

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