‘Proper racing machine’ Diamond Necklace sparkles in Nassau Stakes

Diamond Necklace lived up to her billing when extending her unbeaten record with a dominant display in the Qatar Nassau Stakes at Goodwood.

Having rounded off a perfect juvenile campaign with victory in the Prix Marcel Boussac on Arc weekend at ParisLongchamp, Aidan O’Brien’s filly has returned to France to secure back-to-back Classic wins this year, in the French 1000 Guineas and French Oaks.

She was the 4-6 favourite to make it six from six as she faced her elders for the first time and while Friendly Soul did her best to shake her off, Ryan Moore always looked ultra-confident in the saddle aboard Diamond Necklace and she pulled two and three-quarter lengths clear with the minimum of fuss.

An impressed Moore said: “That’s the best she’s felt, she’s improving with her racing. Aidan said she was up in her weight a bit today so she’s obviously thriving.

“She’s classy, it was very easy really. She travelled smoothly and quickened up well, she’s a little bit idle in front still, but she’s a proper racing machine.

“She gives you a classy feel, every time I’ve ridden her she’s travelled with loads of pace, loads of enthusiasm and she has a turn of foot; that’s what her father (St Mark’s Basilica) had, a real good turn of foot and that’s what’s evident with her.”