Diamond has his day

Rockview Diamond gained an overdue and deserved success when claiming the opening two-year-old maiden at Bellewstown this evening.

Shane Foley tracked the pace on the 5/4 favourite before throwing down a challenge from the two furlong marker.

The John McConnell-trained colt had to work hard to master front-runner Bahama Spirit inside the final furlong and edged left under pressure, slightly hampering that beaten rival.

22/1 shot She's My Dandy stayed on well to take second, a-length-and-a-quarter behind the winner, while 50/1 outsider of the field Julie Moss was a fine third on debut.

The result stood after a stewards enquiry.

"That was overdue and it's great to have a local winner," said McConnell, who trains about two miles from the track.

"He has plenty left in the tank and only does what he has to. We might give him the snip.

"He's entered for the Tattersalls Sales Race at Fairyhouse and might go there next."

Foley was banishing bad memories of Bellewstown having suffered a nasty fall here last year, which ruled him out for over two months.

The winning Any News Syndicate are based in Balbriggan.