Kia Joorabchian appoints new trainer to run top Amo Racing yard in Newmarket
Kia Joorabchian has reshuffled his squad of trainers and put a new name in charge of his main yard. The football agent and ambitious principal of Amo Racing has set his sights on challenging racing's premier league operations like Coolmore, Godolphin and Juddmonte.
He has splashed millions of pounds at thoroughbred sales and at the end of last year bought Freemason Lodge, the historic Newmarket stables made famous by Sir Michael Stoute, who retired in 2024. Brazilian Raphael Freire moved across from Lambourn to help establish Amo Racing's new stables, sending out six winners in 2025.
But on Tuesday, Joorabchian announced a change of name on the stable licence with Kevin Philippart do Foy taking over as retained trainer. Freire would revert to his previous role as a private trainer
A press release said: 'Amo Racing is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Philippart de Foy as retained trainer, based at historic Freemason Lodge in Newmarket.
'This announcement coincides with the completion of phase two of Freemason Lodge's extensive refurbishment, bringing the yard to a higher operational capacity and marking a significant milestone in Amo Racing's long term strategy and continued investment in British racing.'
Joorabchian said: 'Kevin is a fantastic horseman who understands our goals and shares our ambition. Having known and worked with him for several years, it makes this transition even smoother. We know his character fits and our ideas align perfectly.
"We believe he's the right person to take the operation to the next level, and we're excited about what's ahead with him leading the team at this historic yard."
Philippart de Foy set up in 2020 since when he has sent out nearly 200 winners, his biggest success coming at Group 3 level.
He said: "I am deeply honoured to have been entrusted with the responsibility of taking over at Freemason Lodge and training such an exciting string of horses for Amo Racing.
"This is a major milestone in my career, and I'm incredibly grateful to Kia and the team for the opportunity.
"Amo Racing's investment and ambition in the sport are truly inspiring, and I look forward to playing my part in what I hope will be a very successful journey together.'
Freire, who moved from Norway to work for Joorabchain three years ago, said he always intended to return to his previous role, which includes breaking in yearlings, once Freemason Lodge was up and running.
Amo said the existing staff in Newmarket would remain in place.
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