Freedom just got home from stable-mate High Ruler to claim the Group 3 Diamond Stakes at Dundalk tonight.

2/1 joint favourite Bob Le Beau helped cut out a strong pace in the ten furlong contest but had to give way with under two furlongs to run.

Seamus Heffernan sent Freedom into the lead and he stuck on gamely in the closing stages.

High Ruler emerged as a big threat inside the final furlong but just couldn't find a way past, going under by a neck.

The other market leader Zanughan galloped on strongly inside the final furlong but couldn't get to the Ballydoyle pair.

The winner came into this with a bit to find on ratings but had attracted some support this morning, from 8/1 into 13/2.

"Coming out of the stalls I was thinking to myself that this lad's father won an Arc and this is only a Group 3," said Heffernan afterwards.

"He's very big and stays well. He could be a late maturing type."

Heffernan is naturally looking forward to his mount on So You Think in the Arc on Sunday:-

"Everyone involved with the horse is happy and I'm looking forward to representing Ireland. The draw is not ideal."

Bob Le Beau was examined and found to be post race normal. Fran Berry reported that he ran Flat.

Chris Hayes was hit with a two day ban for careless riding after his mount Mid Mon Lady was adjudged to have caused interference to Confidence early in the straight.

Gary Carson