Kia Joorabchian 20-1 to land a Cheltenham Festival winner at first attempt as Amo Racing make shock move into jumps

FOOTBALL superagent and Flat racing supremo Kia Joorabchian is 20-1 to land a Cheltenham Festival winner – after making a shock move into jumps. Joorabchian, whose Amo Racing operation have invested huge sums at the sales, has kept a 50 per cent share in a juvenile hurdler. He’s known for taking on the superpowers of the Flat – but Amo Racing’s Kia Joorabchian is all set to crack Cheltenham Festival after a move into National Hunt was confirmed Credit: PA Coral have gone 20-1 for Amo Racing to own or part-own a 2027 Cheltenham Festival winner Credit: Sportsfile Three-year-old gelding Diligo was trained by Joseph O’Brien on the Flat when dual-owned by Amo and Al Shaqab. Bought for around £200,000, he finished fourth and third on two Flat starts in Ireland. Joorabchian kept a stake in the horse when he left the yard and went to the sales, before ending up with new trainer Max Comley for roughly £40,000. He is now all set to wear the famous purple Amo silks over twigs – with bookies already pricing up the operation’s chances of a Cheltenham winner. Coral make Amo – whose global ambassador and man at the races is Frankie Dettori – 20-1 to land a Festival success. The firm’s David Stevens said: “Amo Racing’s silks are well-known in the Flat racing world, but this move into the jumping fraternity marks a new direction for Kia Joorabchian’s operation. “He may have started in a low-key fashion by taking half of Diligo, but it would be no surprise to see him increase that involvement over the coming months, with a Cheltenham Festival win next March surely on the mind of such an ambitious owner.” Comley, who has been a trainer for less than two years, said: “It’s great to have them involved. Most read in Horse Racing “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. “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.” FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. Comment now