Diamond delivers for Queally & Sexton

Four-year-old Rocky's Diamond defeated older rivals when registering a second success today, landing Gowran's Jack Duggan Memorial Handicap Hurdle for trainer Declan Queally and jockey Kevin Sexton.

Previously successful when landing a major touch for connections at Limerick in April, Rocky's Diamond was patiently ridden in today's race and while Happy Jacky held an advantage at the last, was headed near the line by the determined half-length winner.

Afterwards Queally's son and namesake reported “it was a patient ride and the horse has learned and grown up a lot. The fact he had won before the Punchestown festival means he isn't a novice beyond December so we'll look for a staying novice hurdle for him before then.

“He is only a four-year-old so to beat those older horses was good and he hit the line strong, having been ridden out the back.

“David Kiely is a good loyal supporter of ours and has (prolific point-to-point winner) Rocky's Howya back on again this year so we're looking to him as well.”

Rocky's Diamond is the second winner by his sire Altruistic, who stands for a basement fee of €500 at Rosshill Farm in Galway, and Queally added “this is the first horse I've had by him and being clear-winded and a beautiful mover, I wouldn't rule out buying another one by him.”