Diamond Necklace proved why she was so highly regarded when she extended her perfect record with a commanding victory in the Qatar Nassau Stakes at Goodwood. After capping an immaculate two‑year‑old season with a win in the Prix Marcel Boussac on Arc weekend at Longchamp, Aidan O'Brien’s filly returned to France and added two more Classics to her résumé – the French 1000 Guineas and the French Oaks – before tackling older horses for the first time. Entering the race as a 4‑6 favourite, Diamond Necklace was looking to make it six wins from six starts. Her only serious challenger was Friendly Soul, who tried to unsettle the champion, but Ryan Moore rode with unshakable confidence.
The filly surged ahead and finished two and three‑quarter lengths clear, doing so with apparent ease. Moore was effusive after the race: "She felt the best she ever has, improving with every run.
Aidan mentioned she was carrying a bit more weight today, but she’s thriving. She’s a classy filly, it was very easy. She travelled smoothly, quickened nicely, and although she can be a little idle up front, she’s a true racing machine. Every time I ride her she shows great pace, enthusiasm and a sharp turn of foot – a trait she inherited from her sire, St Mark’s Basilica." Aidan O'Brien also praised his star filly, noting her continued progression and the fact that she was a little heavier on the day.
He explained that work rider Rachel Richardson believed the extra weight was simply strength being built, not a drawback. "She’s a lovely filly with a great team behind her.
This was a mile and a quarter against older fillies, and we didn’t want a ‘Mickey Mouse’ race, so we gave her plenty of pace. She now has options at the top level.
Her cruising ability and the way she travels through a race show her quality. Ryan wanted a longer run, but her stride was being broken, yet she kept going. She’s a great cruiser, full of quality, and I’m over the moon," O'Brien said.
The victory was followed by a reminder that Diamond Necklace’s odds for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe had been cut from 14/1 to 8/1 by Paddy Power, though O'Brien stopped short of confirming whether she would be stretched beyond ten furlongs. He highlighted the flexibility in her campaign, mentioning potential targets such as the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, an Arc trial in France, or even a Breeders' Cup filly program, depending on how far they are willing to test her stamina.
"Constitution River is the boss and everyone has to fall into line behind him. At the moment he is heading to York and we’re looking forward to that. She could stay at a mile and a quarter and go to Leopardstown, or try a French Arc trial.
She handles soft ground as well as fast ground. The Arc is a possibility, and she could be a Breeders' Cup filly – it will depend on how far we ask her to go. Her next run will tell us where she is headed.
She has a long stride, loves good ground and a fast track, and has many options," O'Brien added. The race also featured Friendly Soul, who has endured a tumultuous season 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: "She ran a fine race against a top‑class three‑year‑old who is unbeaten. It was a very good effort and we will now, in consultation with owners George and Julia Strawbridge, look at the programme ahead for older fillies." In other news from Goodwood, Joseph O'Brien kept his options open for Enceladus after the Sea The Stars colt secured an authoritative win in the Maison Perrier Gordon Stakes. Enceladus, who has improved markedly after being stepped up in distance, previously won a comeback race at Cork and then triumphed in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot. Sent off as a well‑backed 6‑4 favourite, the colt finished strongly under jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, holding off Geryon by a length and a quarter.
Betfred, the Classic sponsors, have made Enceladus a 10‑1 shot for the St Leger, a race that would give Joseph O'Brien his first British Classic win as a trainer – he famously broke his own Classic duck as a trainer with Galileo Chrome six years ago. However, O'Brien cautioned that a Doncaster run in September is not yet certain.
"I’m delighted, it was a nice ride from Dylan. It was a really nice performance and he’s a progressive, improving colt.
It was a big step up in class and he’s going the right way. I’m thrilled to have a horse of his potential for Maria and the Niarchos team," he told the Press Association from Galway. Regarding the St Leger, O'Brien said, "It’s one of the more obvious options, but I don’t know if we’ll push him past a mile and a half either.
Let’s see how he pulls up, let the dust settle, and then we’ll lock in his next target." Jockey McMonagle echoed the sentiment, calling Enceladus "a lovely, big, straightforward horse" who has shown continuous improvement with each run. He believes the colt can handle Group Two and Group One competition with a little more time, noting his ability to handle the ground and his emerging class. Colin Keane, who rode the runner‑up, added his perspective: "I thought for a few strides we were going to catch Dylan’s horse, but he picked up and went away again.
The winner is smart, but we’re smart as well – he’s a work in progress. He probably didn’t see it out as well as the winner, but I think 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 of thoroughbreds. Diamond Necklace’s flawless record and versatile options for the remainder of the season make her a prime candidate for future Group One contests, while Enceladus’s rapid progression suggests he could soon be a serious contender at the highest level. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and features on their phones, ensuring they never miss a story from the sport they love.