Royal Diamond sparkles on his return

Royal Diamond, one of eight G1 winners for his sire King's Best, made a superb seasonal debut on 18 July when easily winning the Listed Challenge Stakes at Leopardstown, Ireland.

Sent off as clear favourite to win the 2800m contest, Royal Diamond was soon in front and opened up a clear lead. Eased down by his trainer and jockey Johnny Murtagh approaching the line, he still won by three and three-quarter lengths.

Bred by Moyglare Stud Farm, Royal Diamond is out of the G2-winning Danehill mare Irresistable Jewel – also dam of Street Cry’s 2012 Ribblesdale Stakes winner and Darley Irish Oaks third Princess Highway, plus fellow G1 performer Mad About You.

King’s Best, who stood at Darley in Japan for the first time this year, is also sire of Japan Derby and Tenno Sho winner Eishin Flash, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Workforce, plus Sajjhaa – winner of two G1 races in Dubai this year and due to reappear in the G1 Nassau Stakes at Goodwood in the UK on 3 August.