Just a week after the latest court rounds regarding Frankie Dettori’s bankruptcy was heard, yet another prominent UK racing identity is in financial strife, including with the tax man.
This time it’s well-known racing broadcaster Matt Chapman.
Reports from the UK is that Chapman is now repaying his debts through an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) after his former company collapsed, owing more than £339,000 [$670,000AUD] including a significant debt to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC – which is essentially the UK’s taxman).
According to the Racing Post, the company, formerly known as Matt Chapman Racing Limited and later renamed Grey Lane12 Limited, entered voluntary liquidation in March 2025. Records reveal the business owed £178,000 [$352,000AUD] to HMRC, £97,500 [$192,000AUD] to Funding Circle [a loan facility], £31,606 [$62,350AUD] to Barclays Bank, and £29,500 [$58,000AUD] in credit card debt, plus other liabilities.
Chapman, 54, entered the IVA in June 2025, a legally binding agreement that allows individuals to pay back a portion of their debts over a number of years.
A statement from Chapman’s legal team emphasised that the situation involves his personal financial affairs, not his work in racing or media, and that there are no allegations of wrongdoing.
“These matters have nothing to do with horseracing, gambling or Mr Chapman’s employment,” the statement read. “The figures have been public for many months, and Mr Chapman is up to date with his repayments to creditors under the arrangement.”
