Diamond delivers in opening race at Naas

Well-backed Chosen Diamond (morning 16/1- returned 7s) won on chase debut at Naas, gaining a maiden victory for owner/trainer Eddie Cawley in the opening Overlander Horseboxes Novice Handicap Chase.

The Well Chosen-gelding had placed twice in 11 previous hurdle outings and today, on seasonal reappearance, jumped well and went clear of front-runner Battle Of Mirbat on the run-in to score by four lengths under jockey Jordan Gainford.

Cawley commented “we thought he’d have won a long time ago but I never lost faith in him. We started schooling him over fences a month ago and I thought this is his game, rather than hurdles. He had his hurdle mark (of 92) today.

“He let us down a lot of days over hurdles and I’m happy to keep him at this game now. He was very professional and I hadn’t brought him away schooling anywhere. He does it well enough at home and is a natural jumper.

“I didn’t look beyond today. I was hoping he’d run well but didn’t expect him to do it that well. He’s versatile over a trip as he could go further or come back in trip.”

Quotes from Alan Magee