Kia Joorabchian submits bid for Sir Michael Stoute's Freemason Lodge yard in Newmarket

Kia Joorabchian has submitted a bid for Sir Michael Stoute’s Freemason Lodge stables in Newmarket with the owner seeking a larger premises for his growing racing enterprise.

Stoute has been based at Freemason Lodge on Newmarket’s Bury Road since the 1970s but is set to vacate his long-time base following his retirement from training.

The property, which shares a driveway with neighbouring Carlburg Stables, the home of Roger Varian, who had a number of horses removed by Joorabchian this year, was last valued at “over £1 million” in 2016, according to Land Registry documents. At least two other parties are rumoured to have made bids, the Racing Post understands.

Joorabchian said his interest in the property came as part of his increased presence in the sport and ambitions to regularly compete in its biggest races.

As well as having horses with 16 trainers in Britain, the owner has operated his own Amo Training Centre, overseen by Raphael Friere from the 38-box Felstead Court Stables in Lambourn, but he believes he has outgrown the stable.

“We have been looking actively both in the Lambourn and Newmarket area for growth in both stud and training ventures,” Joorabchian told the Nick Luck Daily podcast. “We’ve made an offer and that needs to get accepted. I don’t want to jump the gun. We are in the mix and if we don’t get it we’ll continue looking.”

This year Joorabchian has spent more than £43m on horses alongside partners including Sheikh Joaan Al Thani, Anthony Ramsden and Evangelos Marinakis, who accompanied Joorabchian during his blockbuster spending at the Tattersalls Book 1 sale and to recent US auctions in Kentucky.

Joorabchian has also expanded his stallion interests with King Of Steel, Bucanero Fuerte and Go Bears Go being retired to stud this year. His Persian Force has stood at stud since 2023.

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