Aidan O'Brien's Diamond Necklace secured her fifth consecutive victory in the Prix de Diane at Chantilly, marking the trainer's seventh European Classic win of 2026. The unbeaten filly, ridden by Ryan Moore, held off a strong challenge from outsider Pink Panthera to win by a short neck, with Inis Mor finishing third.
Historic Achievement
Diamond Necklace joined elite company by completing the Prix Marcel Boussac-Poule d'Essai des Pouliches-Prix de Diane treble, a feat previously achieved by the great Zarkava. She also came within 0.01 seconds of the race record set by Treve in 2013.
Trainer's Perspective
O'Brien expressed pride in the filly's performance but remained cautious about her stamina beyond 1m 2f. "She is by St Mark's Basilica and is very similar to her father—a medium-sized horse who quickens well. We never went beyond a mile and a quarter with him, and maybe this filly will never need to go that far," he said.
He added, "At home, she doesn't do too much when she gets there. She quickens very well and is very classy. She handles soft ground too, so the sky is the limit."
Jockey's Confidence
Ryan Moore, awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours, won the Prix de Diane for the first time, completing a full set of European Classic victories. Moore remained confident throughout the race. "I never thought we were going to get beat. She does what she needs to do. She's straightforward and professional in everything she does," he said.
Moore continued, "We don't know what she can't do yet—she's answered every question asked. She's a great mover, handled bad ground in the Guineas and good ground today. She might stay further, but she has pace."
Both Treve and Zarkava went on to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, but O'Brien has yet to confirm plans for Diamond Necklace's next race.
