Diamond Pro (nearside) gets up for Ben Curtis in a tight finish© Photo Healy Racing
Diamond Pro benefitted from a well-timed ride by Ben Curtis when swooping late on the outer to take the mile and three furlongs Ross Golf Course Handicap at Killarney.
The 16/1 chance (paid €36.70 on the Tote) was patiently-ridden on the outer throughout, and Curtis conjured a strong burst from the three-year-old inside the final furlong to get up in the final strides. Carvelas (10/1) was beaten just a neck, with 7/2 favourite Gabh Mo Leithsceal a half length away in third in a blanket finish.
Winning trainer John Murphy said, “He’s a lovely big horse and the penny is starting to drop. For some reason he couldn’t handle Sligo last time.
“Ben gave him a brilliant ride. The owner Sean O’Sullivan, a vet from Upton, wants to go jumping and he’s schooled nicely.”
