Ethical Diamond gets it right in Duke Of Edinburgh at second time of asking

Diamond gets it right in Duke Of Edinburgh at second time of asking Ethical Diamond failed to deliver in the 2024 Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes but, roll the clock forward 12 months, and Willie Mullins’ 3/1 favourite proved more than equal to the task.

Ryan Moore was able to get his mount in to a mid-pack position and, once angled out in the straight, Ethical Diamond picked up strongly to win going away by two lengths.

Mostahdaf’s full-brother Mutaawid (12/1) continued the great form of the Gosden team in second, while Naqeeb (33/1), a half-brother to Group 1 winners Baaeed and Hukum, ran his best race of the season in third. Siege Of Troy (16/1) finished fourth.

Mullins said: “I thought Ethical Diamond might have been a bit far back, and the horse was keen, but Ryan said he got a bump. He was going well enough turning for home to be able to go where he wanted to go, unlike last year when he ran too free and things didn’t work out. He still finished fourth last year, so I thought if we could get things right for him this year, that he would have a real live chance, and it worked out that way.

“We will give him a little break and look at York – that is normally where we go from here. The Ebor would look possible. We would love to go to Melbourne. If we can get him qualified, that would be wonderful. We might see if we can get him Group-placed. I think he would suit the race.

“After the disaster this was last year, I gave Ryan a year to put it right! There is a big win over hurdles in Ethical Diamond too but, at the moment, we will concentrate on Flat. To me, I wouldn’t think he loves this type of ground, but all the Flat people tell me horses by Awtaad often like it.” Mullins was part of the Royal Procession earlier in the day and his wife Jackie presented the trophy for the opening Albany Stakes.

He added: “These are just fantastic days. Jackie and I were saying coming in here today, just enjoy it, and to have a winner on top is just the cherry on the cake.

“Tuesday was a little disappointing, but we live to fight another day and hopefully [Royal runner] Reaching High will be back for the same race next year. Ryan had nowhere to go, he was just locked in on the inside and that was that."

Moore said: “Ethical Diamond won easy. He began well and I was in a nice spot, but then he was in a tight spot and just picked up the bridle a bit more than I liked when the pace slackened. He travelled really well and, when I pulled him out, he quickened up. He didn't do a whole lot in front and won despite me making a mess of it. Last year, he was drawn wide and it was probably a stronger race than this one.”