Russian Diamond sparkles in the bumper for O'Connor

Russian Diamond (7/2) was an all-the-way winner of the finale on day one at Galway, as he took the Monami Construction INH Flat Race in the hands of Derek O’Connor.

The winning rider judged it to a nicety from the front, and kept enough in the tank to hold the 5/4 favourite Risk Factor by a length. Soldiers Hill (6/1) was three and a half lengths further back in third.

The winner had been well-fancied for a bumper at Leopardstown over Christmas, but wasn’t at his best.

Here, in a first time tongue-tie, he was much improved and was the first, and most likely not the last, winner of the week to carry the colours of the Mee family.

Winning trainer Emmet Mullins said “He was very disappointing at Christmas, and mine were all a bit under the weather at the time.

“We were lucky enough that the Mees were patient and there was always Galway for him.

“He’s a gorgeous big horse and he schools very well already at home so we can’t wait to get going over jumps with him in time.

“He’s exciting for the future. He has a lot of natural ability.

“He’s a big raw horse but has always showed us a little.

“If we look after him and give him a bit of time I’d say he’ll repay us.

“He could go a similar route to Zero Ten.

“He’s qualified for the Connolly’s Red Mills Auction series and I’d say our plan will be the final of that at Punchestown and work back from there.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee