Diamond Necklace proved the hype surrounding her was well deserved, extending her flawless record with a commanding win in the Qatar Nassau Stakes at Goodwood. After capping a perfect two‑year‑old season with a triumph in the Prix Marcel Boussac on Arc weekend at Longchamp, Aidan O'Brien’s talented filly returned to France to secure back‑to‑back Classics – the French 1,000 Guineas and the French Oaks – before stepping up to face older horses for the first time.
Entering the race as a 4‑6 favourite, Diamond Necklace was poised to become six‑for‑six, and she did not disappoint. Although Friendly Soul attempted to give her a run for her money, Ryan Moore rode the filly with unmistakable confidence, allowing her to pull away by two and three‑quarter lengths with minimal effort. Moore was effusive after the finish: “That was the best she’s ever felt. She’s improving with each run.
Aidan mentioned she was a little heavier today, but she’s clearly thriving. She’s a classy filly – it was very easy. She travelled smoothly, quickened nicely, and although she can be a touch idle in front, she’s a true racing machine. Every time I’ve ridden her she’s shown tremendous pace, enthusiasm and a turn of foot – a trait she inherited from her sire, St Mark’s Basilica.” O’Brien shared his delight at the continued unbeaten streak, noting, “She’s lovely and progressing.
She was a bit heavier today, but Rachel Richardson, our work rider, believed it was simply strength she’s building, not excess weight. She handled the mile‑and‑quarter against older fillies superbly. We wanted a genuine test, not a ‘Mickey Mouse’ race, and she showed she has multiple options now.” He added, “You can see her quality in the way she cruises through a race. Ryan wanted to let her lead longer, but her stride was breaking down, yet she kept moving.
She’s a great cruiser with plenty of class and I’m over the moon.” The win also sparked speculation about her future targets. Paddy Power cut her odds for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe to 8‑1 from 14s, but O’Brien has yet to decide whether to stretch her beyond ten furlongs. He explained, “Constitution River is the boss at the moment; he’s heading to York and we’re excited about that. She could stay at a mile and a quarter and contest the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, or head to France for an Arc trial.
She handles both soft and fast ground with ease.” He continued, “The Arc remains a possibility, and she could even become a Breeders’ Cup filly, depending on how far we ask her to go. Her next run will give us a clearer picture – she loves a nice, fast track and has a long, efficient stride.” Friendly Soul, who has endured a tumultuous return from injury – including a mishap at Haydock and a disappointing run in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot – was praised by her trainer Thady Gosden: “She ran a fine race against a top‑class, unbeaten three‑year‑old. It was a very good effort and, in consultation with the owners, we’ll look at the programme ahead, which offers several good opportunities for older fillies.” The broader card at Goodwood also featured Joseph O’Brien’s Enceladus, who secured an authoritative victory in the Maison Perrier Gordon Stakes. The Sea The Stars colt, having improved after being stepped up in distance, had previously won at Cork and then at Royal Ascot in the King George V Stakes.
Trained by William Haggas, Enceladus was sent off as a 6‑4 favourite and held off Geryon by a length and a quarter under jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle. Betfred’s Classic sponsorship made Enceladus a 10‑1 shot for the St Leger, a race that saw Joseph O’Brien finally break his British Classic duck as a trainer when Galileo Chrome won six years earlier. Yet O’Brien cautioned that a September trip to Doncaster was not set in stone.
He told the Press Association from Galway, “I’m delighted – it was a nice ride from Dylan and a very nice performance. He’s a progressive, improving colt, stepping up in class nicely. I’m happy to have a horse of his potential for Maria and the Niarchos team.” Regarding the St Leger, O’Brien added, “It’s an obvious option, but I’m not sure we’ll rush him past a mile and a half.
We’ll see how he pulls up, let the dust settle, and then lock in his next target.” McMonagle echoed the optimism: “He’s a lovely, big, straightforward horse. He’s improving with each run and I think he’ll be a very nice horse going forward, capable of tackling Group Two and Group One races with a bit more time. He handles the ground well and has class – definitely a horse to watch.” Colin Keane, who rode the runner‑up, commented, “For a few strides I thought we’d catch Enceladus, but he picked up and went away again.
The winner is smart, but we’re still a work in progress. He probably didn’t see it out as well as the winner, but in time he will.
He’s a little hard on himself, wears earplugs to relax, and has a big future ahead.” Overall, the day at Goodwood highlighted the depth of talent in the current generation, with Diamond Necklace cementing her status as a top‑class filly capable of taking on older rivals, while Enceladus signalled his readiness for higher‑level challenges. Both connections will now weigh a range of spring and summer targets, from the Irish Champion Stakes to the Arc, as they map out the next steps for their promising stars.