A new direction for Amo Racing
Amo Racing have made their first formal move into National Hunt racing through a share in Diligo, a well-bred son of Wootton Bassett who has joined the yard of trainer Max Comley. The transaction marks a departure for the operation, hitherto known for its Flat interests, and introduces a potential new source of runners for the winter jumping season.
From Flat nursery to jumping prospects
Diligo began his career on the Flat with two starts for Joseph O’Brien before being placed through the Newmarket July Sales. The sequence of events that led to his switch to jumps was unusual: Amo Racing retained a share in the horse when a sale meant the bulk of ownership moved in a different direction, and the new connections later agreed to keep Amo Racing involved as the gelding changed hands into a jumping yard.
The decision to send Diligo to Max Comley reflects an increasing willingness among some owners and syndicates to convert select Flat-bred recruits into National Hunt prospects, particularly horses that are thought to possess scope and stamina as they mature. Connections report that early work has been encouraging, with the horse adapting to schooling fences.
Background and wider ambitions
Kia Joorabchian, representing Amo Racing, has said the move was partly opportunistic and partly exploratory. While not all Flat horses are natural jumpers, a number of owners are attracted by the prospect of finding a jumper within their existing stock, especially given the greater programme of opportunities across the winter months.
Joorabchian referenced previous experience of selling a horse, Poniros, which went on to win a Grade One at Cheltenham on his first start for new connections. That outcome has informed Amo Racing’s thinking about the potential appeal of National Hunt racing and has contributed to the decision to retain involvement with Diligo.
What it means for Cheltenham prospects
While Diligo is at an early stage of his National Hunt education and there is no suggestion of a fixed long-term target, the Cheltenham Festival remains the yardstick for many owners and trainers when assessing the ambition of a jumps campaign. The attraction of Cheltenham is not limited to Grade One runners; a successful transition can open routes through graded opportunities, novice events and the mid-season big meetings.
For Amo Racing, a small stable of jumpers could provide both practical benefits — more options through the winter — and the excitement of competing on the big spring platforms. Any concrete plans for Festival entries will, as always, depend on how individual horses progress through schooling and early-season point-to-point or bumper work.
Practical considerations for conversions
- Converting a Flat-bred horse to jumps typically requires a period of education over hurdles and fences, careful management of soundness and maturation, and a programme that balances schooling with gradual race exposure.
- Owners considering such a route generally look for horses with scope, temperament and a physical constitution suited to jumping and longer distances.
- Successful conversions do occur, but they are subject to the usual uncertainties of training, adaptation and race scheduling.
Outlook
Diligo’s move to Max Comley’s yard represents a cautious foray into National Hunt racing for Amo Racing. The coming months will reveal whether he, or any further recruits from the Amo stable, can develop into competitive jumpers and potentially contest the kind of major meetings that define the winter and spring calendar, including the Cheltenham Festival.
Connections stress that Diligo is at an early stage and that any decisions on campaign targets will be taken once schooling and initial runs indicate a clear direction.
