Diamond Necklace proved why she has been so highly praised when she extended her flawless 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 to add two more Classics to her résumé – the French 1,000 Guineas and the French Oaks – before tackling older horses in England. Going off as a 4‑6 favourite, Diamond Necklace was poised to become six‑for‑six, a feat she achieved with apparent ease.
Friendly Soul tried to give her a run for her money, but Ryan Moore, looking supremely confident in the saddle, kept the filly relaxed and let her unleash a two‑and‑three‑quarter‑length win without breaking a sweat. Moore was visibly impressed after the race, commenting, "That was the best she’s ever felt. She’s improving with each run.
Aidan mentioned she was a touch heavier today, but she’s clearly thriving on that extra weight." He went on to describe her as "classy" and "a proper racing machine," noting that she travelled smoothly, accelerated nicely and, although still a little idle when leading, possessed a genuine turn of foot inherited from her sire, St Mark’s Basilica. "She gives you a classy feel every time I ride her – loads of pace, loads of enthusiasm, and that sharp acceleration that her dad had," Moore added. Aidan O'Brien was equally delighted, saying, "She’s a lovely filly and she’s progressing every day. She was a bit heavier today, but Rachel Richardson, our work rider, told us that was just strength she’s building, not a problem.
The way she crossed the line showed she’s getting stronger." He praised the team around her and highlighted the tactical decision to set a strong pace, avoiding a "Mickey Mouse" race. "She has options now – you can see her quality in the way she travels through a race. Ryan wanted to let her run longer, but her stride was breaking down, so we kept her cruising.
She’s a great cruiser with a lot of quality and I’m over the moon," O'Brien said. The victory was part of a broader campaign that sees Diamond Necklace being positioned for a range of high‑profile targets later in the season.
Paddy Power shortened her odds for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe from 14/1 to 8/1, but O'Brien has not yet decided whether to stretch her stamina beyond ten furlongs. He explained that the filly now has a menu of possibilities: a mile‑and‑a‑quarter race at Leopardstown (the Irish Champion Stakes), a French Arc trial, or perhaps the Arc itself.
"She handles soft ground as well as fast ground, loves a nice firm track and has a long stride. The Arc is a possibility, and she could even be aimed at the Breeders' Cup if we feel she can stay the distance," O'Brien added. The race also highlighted the resilience of Friendly Soul, who has endured a tumultuous year after returning from injury. The mare famously stepped into a hole at Haydock and later ran a lacklustre race 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 consult with the owners about the programme for older fillies, as there are good opportunities ahead." In the same meeting, Joseph O'Brien kept his options open with Enceladus after a dominant win in the Maison Perrier Gordon Stakes at Goodwood.
The Sea The Stars colt has improved markedly since being stepped up in distance, winning a comeback race at Cork and then succeeding in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot. Trained by William Haggas, Enceladus was sent off as a well‑backed 6‑4 favourite and held off Geryon by a length and a quarter under jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle. Betfred, the Classic sponsor, listed Enceladus at 10‑1 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 trip may not be his immediate plan. "I’m delighted with the performance. It was a big step up in class and he’s progressing nicely.
We’ll see how he pulls up and then decide his next target," he told the Press Association from Galway. McMonagle echoed the sentiment, calling Enceladus "a lovely, big, straightforward horse" who improves with each run. He believes the colt can compete at Group Two and eventually Group One level with a little more time. "He handles the ground well and has a touch of class – a horse to watch for the future," McMonagle said.
Colin Keane, who rode the runner‑up, added his perspective: "For a few strides I thought we might catch Enceladus, but he picked up again. The winner is smart; we’re still a work in progress. He wears earplugs to relax, so there’s still room for development, but the future looks bright for him." Overall, the day at Goodwood showcased two rising stars – Diamond Necklace, who continues to dominate her peers and is being carefully managed for a potential Arc or Breeders' Cup campaign, and Enceladus, whose recent triumph suggests he could soon join the elite ranks.
Both connections are weighing a variety of options, from mile‑and‑a‑quarter contests to longer Classic distances, while keeping an eye on ground conditions and the horses' evolving stamina. The racing world will be watching closely as these talented thoroughbreds chart the next chapters of their impressive careers.