Diamond Necklace proved why she is so highly regarded when she extended her perfect record with a commanding win in the Qatar Nassau Stakes at Goodwood. After capping off an immaculate two‑year‑old season with a triumph in the Prix Marcel Boussac on Arc weekend at Longchamp, Aidan O'Brien’s filly turned back to France and added two more Classic victories this year – the French 1000 Guineas and the French Oaks – before tackling older horses for the first time.
Entering the Nassau Stakes as a 4‑6 favourite, she was aiming for a sixth straight win. The only serious challenger was Friendly Soul, who tried to unsettle her, but Ryan Moore was unmistakably confident in the saddle.
Diamond Necklace surged clear, finishing two and three‑quarter lengths ahead with seemingly no effort. Moore could not hide his admiration: “That was the best she has ever felt.
She’s improving with each run. Aidan mentioned she was a little heavier today, but that just shows she’s getting stronger. She’s a classy filly, the race was very easy.
She travelled smoothly, quickened nicely and, although she can be a touch idle up front, she is a true racing machine.” He added, “Every time I ride her she shows tremendous pace, enthusiasm and a brilliant turn of foot – just like her sire, St Mark’s Basilica, who possessed a remarkable acceleration.” O'Brien was equally delighted: “She’s a lovely filly and she’s still progressing. She was a bit heavier today, but our work rider Rachel Richardson was convinced that was simply strength she’s building, not a drawback. This mile‑and‑a‑quarter against older fillies was a real test and we didn’t want a ‘Mickey Mouse’ race, so we gave her a lot of pace.
She has options now.” He continued, “You can see her quality in the way she travels through a race. Ryan wanted to let her lead longer, but her stride was breaking down, so we let her cruise. She is a great cruiser with abundant class and she’s moving forward beautifully – I’m over the moon.” The win also raised questions about her future targets.
Paddy Power cut her odds for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe to 8‑1 from 14‑s, yet O'Brien has not yet decided whether to stretch her beyond the ten‑furlong distance she has conquered so far. He explained, “Constitution River is the main focus right now, heading to York, but we’re keeping our options open.
She could stay at a mile and a quarter and contest the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, or we could aim for an Arc trial in France. She handles soft ground as well as fast ground, so the possibilities are numerous.” He added, “The Arc is certainly on the table, and she could even be aimed at the Breeders' Cup later in the year. It will all depend on how far we want to test her stamina.
Her next run will give us a clearer picture – she has a long stride, loves good ground and a quick track, and she possesses a wealth of options.” Friendly Soul, who has endured a turbulent season after returning 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 three‑year‑old who is unbeaten. It was a very good effort and, together with owners George and Julia Strawbridge, we will now look at the programme for older fillies, where there are several attractive opportunities.” In the same meeting, Joseph O'Brien kept his options open for Enceladus after the Sea The Stars colt delivered an authoritative victory in the Maison Perrier Gordon Stakes. Enceladus, who has improved markedly after being stepped up in distance, had previously won a comeback race at Cork and then succeeded in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Sent off as a well‑backed 6‑4 favourite, he held off Geryon by a length and a quarter under jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle. Betfred’s Classic sponsors have listed Enceladus at 10‑1 for the St Leger, a race where O'Brien famously broke his British Classic duck as a trainer with Galileo Chrome six years earlier. However, O'Brien cautioned that a Doncaster run in September is not yet certain.
Speaking from Galway, he said, “I’m delighted – it was a nice ride from Dylan and a very nice performance. He’s a progressive, improving colt.
It was a big step up in class, but he’s heading the right way and I’m thrilled to have a horse of his potential for Maria and the Niarchos team.” When asked about a possible Leger target, he added, “It’s one of the more obvious options, but I’m not sure we’ll push him beyond a mile and a half just yet. We’ll see how he pulls up, let the dust settle, and then decide on his next objective.” McMonagle echoed the sentiment, describing Enceladus as “a lovely, big, straightforward horse who does nothing but improve. Each run he gets better.
I think he’ll be a very nice horse going forward and, with a bit of time, he could compete at Group Two and Group One level. He handles the ground well and has a touch of class – definitely a horse to watch.” Colin Keane, who rode the runner‑up, commented, “For a few strides I thought we were going to catch Dylan’s horse, but he picked up and went away again. The winner is smart; we’re still a work in progress. He didn’t see it out as well as the winner, but I believe he’ll get there.
He’s a bit hard on himself, wears earplugs to relax, and has a big future ahead.” Overall, the day highlighted the depth of talent in the O'Brien stable and underscored Diamond Necklace’s status as a versatile, high‑class filly with a range of potential targets from the Arc to the Breeders' Cup, while Enceladus continues to emerge as a promising colt with multiple Group‑level possibilities ahead.