Diamond Rain takes another leap forward in G3 Hoppings Stakes

Improving filly Diamond Rain picked up a first G3 success with an impressive display in the Hoppings Stakes at Newcastle, UK, on Friday, 27 June.

Encountering an all-weather surface for the first time, the recent Haydock Park Listed winner was held up in a clear fifth of the six runners by William Buick, some six lengths off the pace-setting Imperial Quarter.

Diamond Rain made good progress entering the final quarter-mile and the daughter of Shamardal kicked into the lead over a furlong from home. Charlotte’s Web and Tasmania gave vain chase, with the Charlie Appleby-trained four-year-old knuckling down well after drifting to score by nearly two lengths.

Charlie Appleby said: “William was delighted with Diamond Rain, but felt she wasn’t in love with the surface, so I don’t think she will be running on the all-weather again in the foreseeable future. There aren’t any immediate targets for her and we will wait for a bit of cut in the ground.”

William Buick added: “That was exactly what we wanted to see from Diamond Rain. It was a new test for her on the all-weather, but she is a lovely filly. She is such a big filly that I think she will just keep getting better and better. She has a lot of quality and has always shown us a lot. Hopefully, there is more to come.”