Diamond Necklace proved a class apart in the Group 1 Nassau Stakes on Thursday. The unbeaten filly extended her record to six wins from six starts with a facile victory at Glorious Goodwood over Friendly Soul. Earlier on the card, further O’Brien wins for Man’s Best Friend, trained by Aidan, and Enceladus, handled by Joseph, made it a successful day for Ireland at the meeting.
Here is today’s racing news round-up of all things Goodwood and Galway on Friday.
Glorious Goodwood: Diamond Necklace the pick of Thursday winners
Diamond Necklace rounded off a superb day for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore with success in the Nassau Stakes. The unbeaten daughter of St Mark’s Basilica was all class in the Thursday Group 1 feature. Settled in third throughout the race, she picked off main rival Friendly Soul with ease before powering clear. Rumblings of a step up in trip to contest the Arc at Longchamp were heard after the race, with jockey Moore hailing her a “proper racing machine”. (Mirror)
Earlier on the card, Man’s Best Friend delivered in the main juvenile contest on the Thursday card. Racing just eight days after a maiden success at Naas, Moore drove the No Nay Never colt with a late thrust to win with something in hand. It was a first win in the race in eight years for O’Brien. His charge denied Adaay Of Scarlett, who was runner-up to Man’s Best Friend’s stablemate Great Barrier Reef in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot too. (Thoroughbred Daily News)
Aidan was not the only O’Brien to get in on the action. Joseph O’Brien trained the winner of the remaining Group race, the Gordon Stakes. Exclusive to three-year-olds, the winner often becomes a contender for the St Leger, as Enceladus now has. He is now a 10/1 shot at best odds for the final Classic of the season. Dylan Browne McMonagle pushed him out for a clear-cut triumph over fellow Irish raider Geryon. (Racing Post)
One jockey who was not among the winners on Thursday was Gemma Owen. The daughter of former Ballon d’Or winner and Jockey Club member Michael Owen took part in the Magnolia Cup for female amateur riders at the beginning of Thursday’s card. She vowed to return though having ultimately finished fourth. The race was won by Imaan Rasul-Healer, who partnered Khor Al Adaid to victory. (Racing Post)
Daniel King in dreamland at Galway with second big race success
Daniel King continued his extraordinary week at Galway with victory in the signature Galway Hurdle. King was adding to his win the Galway Plate on Wednesday, meaning the jockey has snared the two biggest jumps prizes at the festival. He was aboard Putapoundinthejar for Tony Martin, the pair scoring comfortably at 10/1. It was a third winner in all for King during the meeting as he sits second in the jump jockeys championship in the early stages. (Sporting Life)