© Photo Healy Racing
Diligently came with a late surge to take the spoils in the Harry’s Half Million By Goffs Premier Yearling Stakes at York.
All eyes were on Arizona Blaze in the richly-endowed sales heat, with Adrian Murray’s Irish raider having finished third in the Group One Phoenix Stakes earlier this month.
Sent off the 11-8 favourite, he raced prominently for David Egan and looked to have sealed victory when he assumed control of the six-furlong contest inside the distance.
However, Diligently was on the leader’s heels for Rossa Ryan and delivered a finishing flourish on the far side with the line in sight.
Clive Cox’s charge had not won in five previous starts, but came good on the big day, prevailing by a head to secure the £249,908 first prize and deliver successive wins for his trainer following Dragon Leader 12 months ago.
