English/Ire
Melbourne Cup possibility: Ethical Diamond dominates for WIllie Mullins
Britain’s champion jumps trainer Willie Mullins proved he could mix it with the very best on the flat when saddling Ethical Diamond to victory in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Not seen on the flat since finishing fourth in the same race twelve months ago, Ethical Diamond always looked well-positioned to strike under Ryan Moore, who kicked his mount to the head of affairs with half a furlong left before guiding her to a commanding two-length success from Mutaawid.
Naqeeb finished a further half length behind in third.
The five-year-old gelded son of Awtaad also finished fourth in the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and was sporting a hood when running on the flat for the first time.
Willie Mullins said: "I thought he might have been a bit far back and he was keen, but Ryan said he got a bump.
"He was going well enough turning for home to be able to go where he wanted to go, unlike last year when he ran too free and things didn't work out. He still finished fourth last year, so I thought if we could get things right for him this year, that he would have a real live chance, and it worked out that way.
"We will give him a little break and look at York – that is normally where we go from here. The Ebor would look possible.
"We would love to go to Melbourne. If we can get him qualified, that would be wonderful. We might see if we can get him Group-placed. I think he would suit the race.
"After the disaster this was last year, I gave Ryan a year to put it right! There is a big win over hurdles in Ethical Diamond too but, at the moment, we will concentrate on Flat. To me, I wouldn't think he loves this type of ground, but all the Flat people tell me horses by Awtaad often like it."
Mullins, who took part in the Royal procession alongside his wife Jackie prior to racing, added: "These are just fantastic days. Jackie and I were saying coming in here today, just enjoy it, and to have a winner on top is just the cherry on the cake.
"Tuesday was a little disappointing, but we live to fight another day and hopefully [Royal runner] Reaching High will be back for the same race next year. Ryan had nowhere to go, he was just locked in on the inside and that was that."
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