Superstar flat jockey Frankie Dettori has made the headlines for the wrong reasons, as the multiple Classic-winning jockey is unable to pay a huge tax debt. Fresh from being the given the JP McManus No.1 role, Harry Cobden will don the green and gold silks this Saturday in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot. Check out all the latest racing news for Thursday 15 January, 2026 below.
Today’s Racing round-up
Made bankrupt back in March 2025 by H M Revenue & Customs, Frankie Dettori is expected to have no money available to creditors from the liquidation of the Italian veteran’s companies. Having been involved in a tax avoidance scheme, the 55-year-old has more than £750,000 to pay, but is unable to pay it and the three-times champion jockey will now see the taxpayer pay the debt. (Racing Post)
Harry Cobden will take the big ride on Jonbon in Saturday’s Clarence House Chase at Ascot, as he looks to ride his first Grade 1 winner for owner JP McManus. It was announced earlier in the week that the 27-year-old will be named the retained rider for McManus in May, but with Jonbon’s regular rider Nico De Boinville heading to Haydock’s card on Saturday then Cobden will partner the multiple Grade 1-winning chaser. (At The Races)
The Jockey Club has announced that there will be 72-hour declarations made ahead of the 2026 Grand National at Aintree. Having previously been based around 48-hour declarations, it’s been made public that we will now know the 34 runners for the big race three days before they head to the start of the race on Saturday 11 April. It was also announced that the number of reserves for the race has risen from four to six. (Thoroughbred Daily News)
Last season’s Champion Bumper winner Bambino Fever bounced back from a hurdles debut defeat with a facile victory at Fairyhouse on Wednesday, and she’s duly been cut in the betting for all the novice hurdle events. She’s now a red-hot favourite for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, but could be a possible Supreme Novices’ Hurdle contender for Willie Mullins come March. (Sporting Life)
Alice Haynes handed in her training licence in December due to financial issues, and it became clear on Wednesday of those woes. The papers filed for the liquidation of Haynes’ operation has shown debts in excess of £500,000. The liquidation papers were filed with Companies House on December 8 with over £200,000 owed to HM Revenue & Customs. (Racing Post)