Dettori picks up Newmarket prize in new Amo Racing role
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Thu 16 Apr 2026
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.”
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