Diamond sparkles for Kavanagh in Killarney finale

Minella Diamond came forward from his debut second at Thurles to run out a comfortable winner of the concluding Irish Examiner(Ladies Pro/Am) Flat Race at Killarney.

Trained by Bill Lanigan, the Sarah Kavanagh ridden winner had previously been placed in both his point-to-point starts before switching to racing under rules.

The five-year-old travelled easily throughout the race, kicking clear with Sequestered over 3f out, the pair looking to have matters between them.

However, as the latter weakened over a furlong from the finish, Kavanagh had to be strong to see off a number of closers before eventually lasting home by three lengths.

Bill Lanigan, “He’s a nice horse. He was placed in a couple of point-to-points and was placed in a bumper in Thurles the last day.

“He’s one to look forward to and I’m delighted for his owner Christy Neville from Roscrea.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.