Review curragh 15th Sep Royal Diamond came out on top in a pulsating four-way finish to the Gain Horse Feeds Irish St Leger at the Curragh to give Tommy Carmody a Classic victory on his return to the training ranks.Fame And Glory attempted to make all and looked to be in with a big chance as he led at the top of the straight, but he was swamped in the final furlong as a thrilling climax developed.Massiyn looked as if he might edge the Group One prize, but Royal Diamond (16-1) grabbed him on the line for a head triumph under Niall McCullagh, with British raiders Brown Panther and Aiken also well in the mix.Dawn Approach looks sure to be a big player on the Classics stage next season judged on the way he destroyed the opposition under Kevin Manning in the Goffs Vincent O'Brien Stakes.Jim Bolger's unbeaten colt (2-5 favourite), wearing the Godolphin colours for the first time, swept into the lead a furlong out and romped clear by four and three-quarter lengths from Designs On Rome.Multiple Group One winner Starspangledbanner, back in training after problems at stud, put in a much better show than on his return to action when just collared by Maarek in the Newbridge 200 Renaissance Stakes.The six-year-old hit the front at the furlong pole, but Jamie Spencer got a great tune out of the David Nagle-trained top-weight Maarek (4-1), who came from the rear to score by half a length.Kevin Prendergast's Spinacre (3-1) continued on the upgrade with a taking victory in the Flame Of Tara EBF Stakes, leading a furlong and a half out under Chris Hayes and keeping Reglisse at bay to win by a cosy two and a quarter lengths.Ger Lyons landed a double with Pearl Music (9-1), who came from off the pace under Gary Carroll to take the Gain Freedom EBF (C & G) Maiden, and Brendan Brackan (13-2), who ran away with the Glanbia Handicap in the hands of Emmet McNamara.
