Kia Joorabchian’s Amo Racing ‘discriminated against’ in mega-money dispute after spending more than £4m on horses
TOP owner Kia Joorabchian has hit out at Tattersalls over what he claims is ‘favourable treatment’ given to racing’s established superpowers.
The football agent and boss of Amo Racing has invested heavily in the sport in recent years but boycotted last month’s Craven Breeze-Up Sale in Newmarket.
RACINGFOTOS.COMHe hit out at famous horse auctioneers Tattersalls over ‘discrimination’[/caption]
It is because of a dispute over charges he reckons are unfair, claiming the famous racehorse auctioneers give racing’s establishment special treatment.
He says there is no outstanding debt owed to Tattersalls over the sale of any horse but that life is being made difficult for “outsiders” through expensive administrative fees.
Joorabchian has spent more than £4 million at Tattersalls over the last five years, but they are now at loggerheads and neither side are keen to budge.
The first hint of a spat surfaced on social media last week after Tattersalls failed to send a congratulatory tweet about the victory of Joorabchian’s horse Cuban Thunder, something they usually do for winning graduates of their sales.
The Amo Racing account tweeted about their ‘disappointment’ and followed up with a post which read: “Discrimination is sad and ugly. There is absolutely no room for it in any walk of life!”
Both tweets were deleted shortly afterwards.
Joorabchian said: “We have spent a considerable amount with Tattersalls over the years but we didn’t go to Craven breeze-ups this year.
“That was a decision we took simply because they don’t treat us and other smaller groups the same way they treat the real powerhouses.
“They are charging us and other people fees they don’t charge to certain people. It should be a level playing field for everyone. However it seems they give favourable treatment to the so-called establishment.
“We are the smaller kids on the block and they don’t want us making waves in the sport. They don’t like it.
“They shouldn’t discriminate – everyone should be treated the same. How much you spend or how wealthy you are shouldn’t be a factor.”
Joorabchian has another gripe with Tatts.
He added: “If you aren’t a racing person you might go to the sales and bid against someone who has a share in that horse, so they drive the price up, but Tattersalls don’t disclose that information.
“In my last conversation with them they categorically said they have different terms with certain people and that it’s the board’s decision. In my book, that is not a level playing field.”
Tatts declined to comment, saying: “It wouldn’t be appropriate to discuss our clients in public.”
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