Diamond shines at 20/1 on return to action

The Declan Queally-trained Diamond Nora got up at the post in a thrilling finish to the mares handicap hurdle at Limerick this afternoon. Jeaniemacaroney looked to have done enough when edging to the front down the last in the two-miler but was nabbed on the line.

Diamond Nora had to wait for a run on the inner going to the second last and had a few lengths to find in third before the final flight.

Liam McKenna got a good tune from the Diamond Boy filly on the run-in however as she lunged late for a head victory over the 9/4 favourite.

The winner had been very easy to back on her return to action, going to post a 20/1 shot having traded at 8/1 this morning.

Queally said:- "She had plenty weight on her back so I told Liam to ride a patient race. I was expecting her to run a good race as she was reasonably fit coming here but with it being her first run back, we said we'd ride her patiently.

"She will stay further, found well and was good. That's two she has won now, she has size and is a terrific jumper. I'd say she will do well over fences but will stick to hurdles this season."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)