Dettori picks up Newmarket prize in new Amo Racing role

Frankie Dettori is no stranger to collecting trophies from the winner’s podium at Newmarket, but this time he was doing so in a suit and tie rather than silks after Soverign Spell’s victory in the Betway Handicap that opened the action on Thursday.

The Italian has undertaken a new role as racing manager to Amo Racing since bringing the curtain down on his on-track career in Brazil in February and was a winning representative for the first time back at a venue he once called home.

“I’m collecting a trophy first and not last which is something different,” said Dettori, alluding to the fact the winning owner is called to the podium first.

“I’ve had a good few days in Newmarket and it’s nice to have a winner for the team. Rowan (Scott) gave him a beautiful ride.

“It’s all going well. All my kids live in England so after I retired I was always going to come back. I’m just getting started in this job, but I’m looking forward to getting involved.”

Sovereign Spell was sent off the 4-1 co favourite and was making it two from two for 2026 when striking by half a length.

The winner was trained by Amo Racing’s principal trainer Kevin Philippart De Foy, who is hoping to see further progress from the son of Invincible Spirit.

Philippart De Foy said: “He found a very good rhythm on the front-end and there is a bit of a tailwind which suits front runners.

“He kept finding and a bit like when he won at Wolverhampton (in March) his best furlong was his last furlong. We thought over the stiff six here with a fitter horse we would let him bowl along on the front end.

“He relaxed very well, has a good stride and is a very balanced horse, so I’m delighted with that.

“He’s a tough horse who will always keep finding and he always had something left in the tank. Hopefully he will keep improving.

“There’s a race three-year-old handicap at York he could go for and he could come back here as well in a couple of weeks, but the York race might be his main target.”