Kia Joorabchian's Amo Racing: A High-Stakes Gamble in Thoroughbred Racing

Kia Joorabchian, a prominent football super-agent, has made significant investments in the thoroughbred racing industry through his operation, Amo Racing. The 2026 racing season marks a critical juncture for Joorabchian, as he seeks to establish his presence among the elite in the sport. His strategy has involved substantial financial commitments, including a £40 million cash injection from Apollo Global Management (AGM), secured against various assets, including racehorses and stables.

The Guardian

In 2024, Joorabchian's Amo Racing made headlines by acquiring 22.9 million guineas (£24 million) worth of yearlings at the Tattersalls Book 1 sale. This was followed by an additional investment of 13.7 million guineas (£14.4 million) at the same venue and £4 million on 17 yearlings at Book 2. These purchases were aimed at ensuring that trainer Kevin Philippart de Foy had a robust lineup for the 2026 season. However, as the Classics approach, the performance of these investments has been under scrutiny, with the odds for Amo's top runners, such as Power Blue, reflecting a challenging outlook.

The Guardian

As the 2026 season unfolds, the initial results for Joorabchian's investments appear disappointing. Power Blue, last season's Phoenix Stakes winner, is currently listed at 66-1 for the 2,000 Guineas, while other high-value yearlings like Partying and Poker have yet to demonstrate their potential on the racetrack. The anticipation surrounding these horses is tempered by concerns that the 2024 draft may not yield the expected returns.

The Guardian

In light of the current performance, Joorabchian is reportedly shifting his focus towards the next generation of two-year-olds, aiming for a breakthrough at Royal Ascot in mid-June. Despite skipping the recent breeze-up sale at Newmarket, which saw an 18% drop in turnover, he invested $1.9 million (£1.4 million) in a top lot at the OBS two-year-old in-training sale in America. This indicates a proactive approach to revitalizing his operation and finding future stallions that could offset the substantial costs incurred thus far.

The Guardian

Critics have begun to question the viability of Joorabchian's strategy, suggesting that the high-stakes nature of his investments may not yield the desired results. The pressure to succeed is mounting, particularly with AGM's significant financial backing, which may create a sense of urgency in his operations. As the season progresses, the performance of Amo Racing's horses will be closely monitored, with the potential for both triumph and further scrutiny.

The Guardian

• “The ultimate aim for Joorabchian, as it is for most of the bold go-getters that arrive in racing with money, ego and a burning desire to compete at the top, is to find a stallion (or two) whose covering fees will offset the immense start-up costs of his operation.” — Source

The Guardian

• “It remains possible that a late-developing three-year-old will come to the rescue later in the year, but his attention seems to be turning already to the next crop of two-year-olds, and the possibility of a juvenile winner at Royal Ascot in mid-June.” — Source

The Guardian

As the 2026 racing season continues, the unfolding narrative of Kia Joorabchian's Amo Racing will be a focal point for enthusiasts and analysts alike, reflecting the unpredictable nature of thoroughbred racing and the high stakes involved.

The Guardian