Frankie Dettori Named in Tax Avoidance Case After Losing Anonymity Bid

The champion jockey's involvement in a controversial tax scheme has been revealed following a legal battle with HMRC over open justice principles.

Frankie Dettori's name was revealed after a court ruling ended his three-year fight for anonymity in a tax dispute with HMRC.
The case involves a tax avoidance scheme devised by Paul Baxendale-Walker, a former solicitor turned adult film entrepreneur, which HMRC has deemed a 'sham.'
Dettori claims he was advised by former financial specialists that the scheme was approved by HMRC, but he has since dismissed them and hired a new team to resolve the issue.
The court emphasized the importance of open justice, rejecting Dettori's arguments for privacy and stating there was no evidence of harm or prejudice from public disclosure.
HMRC and media organizations welcomed the decision, viewing it as a victory for transparency and accountability in high-profile tax cases.