Amo Racing to field first jumps runner after acquiring share in juvenile prospect
Amo Racing, the operation led by Kia Joorabchian that has become a familiar name on the Flat, is set to extend its interests into National Hunt racing after retaining a 50 per cent share in Diligo, a three-year-old now with trainer Max Comley.
From Flat sales to a hurdling future
Diligo was originally purchased as a yearling for 200,000 guineas and made two Flat starts in Ireland for Joseph O’Brien, finishing fourth and third. He returned to the Tattersalls ring last month and was subsequently bought by Comley for 42,000 guineas. Following the sale, Amo Racing agreed to retain half the ownership and the plan is now to prepare the colt for a career over hurdles.
The move represents a notable change for Amo Racing, which has concentrated on Flat racing in recent seasons. The retained share means that, when Diligo begins his hurdling career later this year, he will be the first horse to carry the Amo Racing colours under National Hunt rules.
Trainer backing and early work
Comley, who was awarded a full training licence less than two years ago and currently operates a relatively small yard, has only had Diligo in his care for a short period. He reports that the horse has taken to basic schooling and has been schooled over barrels, showing encouraging jumping technique and behaviour at home.
Those responsible for the purchase assessed Diligo as a potential juvenile hurdle prospect and the prevailing view in Comley’s yard is that the horse’s size and attitude make him a suitable candidate to begin learning his craft over obstacles during the coming months.
Ownership and connections
The retained share was agreed after the sale at Tattersalls. Richard Sheppard of S W Racing holds the other 50 per cent, having been content to retain an interest alongside Amo Racing. The partnership brings together owners with experience on the Flat and connections who have campaigned jump horses previously, offering a blend of resources and knowledge as Diligo transitions to a new sphere of racing.
For Comley, securing such ownership support is a significant endorsement for a fledgling trainer. While his yard remains modest in scale, the association with high-profile Flat owners provides both encouragement and a potential platform for growth as he develops his National Hunt string.
What it means for festival targets
At this stage there are no confirmed entries or festival targets for Diligo. The plan to prepare him as a juvenile hurdler suggests he could be aimed at the autumn and winter juvenile programme in Britain and Ireland, which offers a pathway towards major National Hunt festivals in the following seasons.
For racegoers and racecourses, the development is an example of growing cross-code interest among prominent Flat owners. As more owners diversify their portfolios, the National Hunt scene can expect periodic new arrivals who bring Flat-bred bloodlines and ownership ambition to the jumping ranks.
Outlook
Diligo’s future will be shaped by his schooling and early hurdling work, but the combination of a recognised Flat ownership operation and a young trainer eager to establish himself creates a compelling narrative. Observers will watch his progress through pre-season schooling and early novice hurdles to see whether he can fulfil the potential that attracted attention at yearling sales and on the Flat.
