Amo set to have first runner over jumps with Comley

Kia Joorabchian’s Amo Racing operation is to branch out into the National Hunt sphere for the first time after retaining a 50 per cent share in Max Comley’s new recruit Diligo.

A 200,000 guineas yearling purchase on behalf of Amo and fellow powerhouse owners Al Shaqab Racing, the son of Wootton Bassett finished fourth and third in two Flat starts in Ireland for Joseph O’Brien before returning to the sales ring at Tattersalls last month, where he was knocked down to Comley for 42,000 guineas.

The three-year-old is set to embark on a hurdling career in the coming months and with Joorabchian keen to stay involved, he looks set to become the first horse to carry the Amo Racing silks over jumps.

“It’s great to have them involved. Obviously they’ve been big players in Flat racing now for a good few years, they’re making great strides in the operation they’re forming and it’s great they’re turning their attentions to having a couple of jumpers. We’re very lucky to be part of that,” said Comley.

“We bought the horse and had an idea of owners but didn’t have anything set in stone. As soon as the horse went through the ring they approached me and asked if Kia could retain his 50 per cent. Obviously I was excited to have him involved and the answer was obviously yes.

“Richard Sheppard, who is part of S W Racing and owns Manganese and some other good horses we’ve had, was very happy to have the other 50 per cent and it’s all worked out well.”

It is less than two years since Comley was granted a full training licence and given he currently has less than 50 horses in his care, he admits having such a big name among his ownership ranks is a big coup.

He added: “He’s a big horse and his work at home has been good. We’ve obviously only had him for about a month now, but we’ve schooled him over a few barrels and he seems to jump quite well and has got a good attitude. Everything we’ve seen so far suggests he should be a nice juvenile hurdle prospect going into the winter.

“I’m hoping he can do the business for them and win plenty of races and just to have them in the yard is a big deal for a young trainer like myself. It’s only my second full season proper, having trained point-to-pointers for a good few years before that, so it’s great to have the support of a powerhouse owner if you like and I’m very privileged and excited to have them involved.”