Max Comley has been chosen to train the first jumps horse for high-profile owners Amo Racing, with the organisation's leader Kia Joorabchian keeping a half share in the gelding Diligo.
Diligo joins Comley's Wiltshire yard
The three-year-old, who made two appearances in maiden events for Joseph O'Brien, was purchased by jockey-turned-trainer Comley from the Newmarket July Sales for around £40,000 and moved to his 85-box yard in Wiltshire.
On the back of his best season in 2025-6 with 16 winners, the 28-year-old was asked if Amo Racing could retain an interest in the juvenile hurdling prospect.
Comley's reaction to the link-up
"I'm a young trainer in the sport and it's great that Kia is supporting us," said 6ft 5in Comley, who quit race-riding after battling with his weight.
"What he has done for racing in a short space of time is fantastic. Last year was our first full season and we are excited to get going with Diligo.
"He has been with us a couple of weeks and we have popped him over some barrels and small jumps. We are pleased that he has a good jumping technique and attitude from what we have seen so far."
Background and future plans
Comley grew up near Cheltenham Racecourse, learned to ride and worked for Gold Cup-winning handler Kim Bailey while competing in point-to-points as a teenager. In 2019 he had success with a select string of point-to-pointers and took out a full licence to train under Rules for the 2024-25 campaign.
"Juvenile hurdler Manganese flew the flag for us last season and took us to the Cheltenham Festival," added Comley, soon to plan her next route from a mark of 129.
"It was a great season with 16 winners and we want to build on it now."
Bookmakers Coral are offering odds of 20-1 for Amo Racing to have a winner at the 2027 Cheltenham Festival.
"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," said the firm's David Stevens.
"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."
