Well-backed Merisi a Diamond in Curragh mud

Available at 13/2 in the morning, Merisi Diamond was the one for money in the Follow @ToteRacing On Twitter Handicap and justified 5/2 favouritism under Ronan Whelan.

Trained by Joanna Morgan and owned by her in partnership with David Brennan, Jeremy Greene and J Tuite, the imposing Caravaggio gelding had finished fifth in a course and distance contest won by Blue Peak last month. Settled in rear of mid-division, he moved up to challenge over a furlong out and hit the front in the final 150 yards to win going away. 

Blue Peak was no match for Merisi Diamond on this occasion and finished three and a quarter lengths back in second. 

“I learned a lot about him the last day," said Whelan.

"He pinged the lids with me and I was on a wing and he just did too much. 

“We were anxious to get him in behind today and try get him to switch off. I knew he’d take me there wherever I wanted and after that it was just a matter of keeping him up to his work. 

“For a big horse he’s still quite babyish and timid. You’d like to think he’ll improve and there is plenty more fun to be had with him. 

“It’s great to get one for Joanna and a long time between drinks since I had one for her. She was very good to me as an apprentice and is as sharp as ever. She gave me strict instructions, so I’m delighted it paid off. 

“He’s a huge, big horse and will be a lovely horse for the spring next year when he gets the soft ground.” 

Quotes from Alan Magee