Diamond Rain pipped in G3 Hoppings Stakes

Diamond Rain was caught on the line by Botagoz when attempting to win the G3 Hoppings Stakes for a second successive year at Newcastle, UK, on Friday, 26 June.

The Charlie Appleby-trained mare, who followed up her win 12 months ago with a head second in the G1 E P Taylor Stakes, raced freely in fourth on the outside of Sky Safari as Ashariba and Alla Stella led the seven-strong field.

William Buick tacked over to the stands’ rail in the straight, with Diamond Rain staying on powerfully to take up the running approaching the final furlong.

Botagoz closed late and joined Diamond Rain crossing the line, getting the verdict by a short-head, as the front two pulled more than three lengths clear of third home Sky Safari.