Diamond Necklace maintained her perfect record by winning the Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, securing her fourth Group One victory of her career. Ridden by Ryan Moore, the filly defeated Friendly Soul by two-and-three-quarter lengths, demonstrating the kind of dominant performance that has characterized her racing to date. The victory came following a narrow success in the Prix de Diane at Chantilly in June, where she prevailed by just a nose.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien indicated that multiple pathways lie ahead for Diamond Necklace as racing moves into the autumn months. Options include remaining at the mile-and-a-quarter distance for a fillies’ race in August, competing at Leopardstown in September, or attempting an Arc trial. The possibility of stepping up to the 12-furlong Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in October is also being considered, with bookmakers installing the filly as a 10-1 third-favourite for the event. While her stamina for the extended distance remains untested, female runners have captured nine of the last 15 runnings of the prestigious middle-distance contest.
O’Brien’s stable enjoyed considerable success at the Goodwood meeting, securing two Group One victories from three available races. Beyond Diamond Necklace’s triumph, Man’s Best Friend won the Group Two Richmond Stakes on the same day. Man’s Best Friend’s progression has been rapid, having recorded his maiden victory just eight days earlier, and O’Brien suggested multiple future targets are possible for the juvenile, including races such as the Middle Park, Gimcrack, or Dewhurst.
The trainer’s stable was unable to secure the Sussex Stakes, with his runner Gstaad finishing second to Bow Echo for the third time this season. O’Brien expressed optimism that Gstaad might eventually turn the tables, drawing comparisons to past rival horses that have provided ongoing competitive challenges. Constitution River, identified as O’Brien’s leading three-year-old, remains positioned as the stable’s primary Arc contender and is scheduled to compete in the International Stakes next month.
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