Royal Diamond enjoys a wide margin success at Leopardstown© Photo Healy Racing
Irish St Leger winner Royal Diamond galloped his opponents into the turf in the Listed Challenge Stakes at Leopardstown.
Johnny Murtagh trained and rode the 5/4 favourite. He jumped out and after a furlong moved to the front in this mile and six contest. He was up to 15 lengths clear during the race and came in eased down to win by three and three quarter lengths despite his 5lb Group 1 penalty.
“He's improved a good bit from the Curragh. I thought I had the race won there and I was surprised that something quickened past me,” Johnny Murtagh said.
“He came out of that race well and this was a nice race for him. He likes Leopardstown.
“I thought he was a Caulfield and Melbourne Cup type of horse and I might have to twist Mr Tinkler's arm. He was looking at going back for the Leger as he had a big day that day and it was a great win."
When asked if he was surprised how far clear he was, Murtagh replied: “I'm not riding as much and thought I might have lost the clock in my head! But he's a strong galloper.
“I have him pencilled in for the Ballyroan Stakes (August 8) over a mile-and-a-half here. I don't think he's slow. There's also the Leger trial and the Leger. He'll probably go for two of those three.
“Mentally he's very well and the girls have done a great job keeping him sweet. He's getting older but is every bit as enthusiastic. He seems to come good at this time of year.”
Ulster Derby winner Sir Ector stayed on best of the rest for second at 10/1 for Jimmy Lambe and Chris Hayes.
Royal Diamond’s task was made easier when his main market rival, El Salvador was pulled up by Joseph O’Brien with seven furlongs still to go. O'Brien reported to the stewards that his mount knocked himself coming out of the stalls and didn't feel right.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
