Diamond dazzles again with record-equalling semi victory

BOCKOS DIAMOND equalled his own 550 yards track record with another brilliant display in the opening semi-final of the BoyleSports Irish Derby at Shelbourne Park.

Graham Holland's star was in command from the outset courtesy of a 3.27sec sectional and maintained his unbeaten record in the event as he went on to beat Juvenile Derby champion Callaway Knegare by five and a half lengths in 28.94sec with Oaks heroine A Lucky Julie claiming the third qualifying position.

Holland completed a double by sending out Cheap Sandwiches to take the second semi by four lengths from Irish Cesarewitch winner Singalong Dolly with English Derby runner-up Boylesports Bob third. The winning time was 29.13sec.

Robert Gleeson's Droopys Kathleen duly landed odds of 1-10 to claim the Gourmet Island Puppy Oaks final over 525 yards in 28.05sec, while the semis of the 550 yards Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate went to Pat Guilfoyle's Knockeen Dazzler (29.29sec) and Holland's Faypoint Harvey (29.58sec).

Semi-final 1 - 1st T3 Bockos Diamond 28.94sec (=TR)

Semi-final 2 - 1st T3 Cheap Sandwiches 29.13sec