Diamond Necklace proved why she was so highly regarded when she extended her perfect record with a commanding win in the Qatar Nassau Stakes at Goodwood. After capping a flawless 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 add two more Classics to her résumé – the French 1000 Guineas and the French Oaks – before tackling older horses for the first time. Entering the Goodwood race as a 4‑to‑6 favourite, Diamond Necklace was aiming for a six‑from‑six streak. Her only serious challenger was Friendly Soul, who tried to keep the pace honest, but Ryan Moore, looking supremely confident in the saddle, guided Diamond Necklace away with ease.
The filly accelerated in the final furlongs, pulling away two and three‑quarter lengths with minimal effort. Moore was effusive after the race.
“That’s the best she’s ever felt,” he said. “She’s improving with each run.
Aidan mentioned she was a little heavier today, but she’s thriving.” He added that the filly was “classy, very easy to ride, travelled smoothly and quickened nicely. She’s still a touch idle up front, but she’s a genuine racing machine.” Moore praised her pedigree, noting that she inherited a turn of foot from her sire, St Mark’s Basilica, and that this quality was on full display. Trainer Aidan O'Brien also expressed his delight.
“She’s lovely and progressing nicely,” he said. “She was a bit heavier today, but Rachel Richardson, our work rider, felt it was just strength she’s building, not a problem.” O'Brien highlighted the importance of the pace they set, saying they wanted to avoid a “Mickey Mouse” race and give the filly a genuine test. He noted that the mile‑and‑a‑quarter distance against older fillies showed her versatility and that she now possesses multiple options for the remainder of the season.
The victory was part of a broader narrative about Diamond Necklace’s rising star. Paddy Power had shortened her odds for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe from 14/1 to 8/1, but O'Brien has yet to decide whether to stretch her stamina beyond ten furlongs. He explained that the filly can stay at a mile and a quarter and could be aimed at the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, an Arc trial in France, or even a Breeders’ Cup campaign, depending on how far they are willing to test her. O'Brien also mentioned other horses in his stable, such as Constitution River, who is slated for York, and the versatile filly who handles both soft and fast ground with equal aplomb.
He emphasized that Diamond Necklace’s long stride and love of good ground give her a wide range of possibilities. The race also featured Friendly Soul, a horse that has endured a turbulent year after returning from injury, including a mishap at Haydock and a disappointing run in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot. Trainer Thady Gosden praised her effort, saying, “She ran a fine race against a top‑class three‑year‑old who is unbeaten.
It was a very good effort and we’ll now look at the programme ahead with the owners, George and Julia Strawbridge, for more opportunities for older fillies.” In other news from Goodwood, Joseph O’Brien kept his options open for his colt Enceladus after a dominant performance in the Maison Perrier Gordon Stakes. The Sea The Stars‑sired horse, who has improved markedly after being stepped up in distance, previously won at Cork and then at Royal Ascot in the King George V Stakes. Enceladus, trained by William Haggas, was sent off as a 6‑to‑4 favourite and delivered a strong finish under jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, beating Geryon by a length and a quarter.
Betfred, the Classic sponsor, has listed Enceladus at 10‑to‑1 for the St Leger, a race that would give Joseph O’Brien his first British Classic win as a trainer, a milestone he missed six years ago with Galileo Chrome. However, O’Brien cautioned that a St Leger appearance is not set in stone. “It’s one of the obvious options, but I don’t want to rush him past a mile and a half,” he told the Press Association from Galway. “We’ll see how he pulls up and then decide on his next target.” McMonagle described Enceladus as “a lovely, big, straightforward horse who improves with every run.” He believes the colt has the class to compete at Group Two and Group One level with a bit more time, noting that the horse handles firm ground well and possesses a natural elegance.
Colin Keane, who rode the runner‑up, added that Enceladus showed intelligence and potential, even though he still needs to mature. Overall, the Goodwood meeting highlighted the depth of talent in O’Brien’s stable, from the unbeaten Diamond Necklace to the promising Enceladus. Both horses have demonstrated the ability to dominate their respective fields, and their connections are carefully mapping out future campaigns that could include the Arc, the St Leger, and possibly international events such as the Breeders’ Cup.
As the season progresses, racing fans can expect more thrilling performances and strategic decisions as these elite thoroughbreds continue to develop. Never miss a story with the latest racing news, interviews, and features on your phone. Stay updated on all the action from Sky Sports Racing.