Diplomacy delivers on fourth start over hurdles

March’s Cheltenham Bumper-third Shuttle Diplomacy (11/4) gained a somewhat belated first win over jumps today, smartly landing Naas’ Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle, for trainer Tom Cooper and jockey Dan King.

Winner of a Listed bumper in 2024, the son of Dschingis Secret returned following a 315-day absence when finishing third at Cheltenham last March and while he had flopped on his initial two hurdle starts, had finished second at Limerick during Christmas.

Today, the six-year-old travelled well, led before the last and quickened well to scored readily from Arcadian Emperor .

Regarding the Ciarn Mooney-owned winner, trainer Cooper commented “he’s a proper one when he’s right. There is a mixture of speed and stamina in his pedigree and it is coming through now. It’s good to have him back.

“I don’t know what happened the first two days over hurdles with him but he gave the winner 8lb last-time and that horse (King Rasko Grey) is only 7/1 for a Grade 1 next weekend. He also got first run on us that day as well.

“Today’s race was 2m2f and I’d say he’ll probably rock up in Cheltenham now, with the Turners Novice Hurdle being be the one obvious race.”

Quotes from Gary Carson