Rebel proves a real Diamond for Natalia Lupini in Blenheim Stakes

Gary Carson
September 23, 2024 5:19 pm

Amy Murphy and Archie Watson runners finished fourth and fifth respectively.

Rebel Diamond secured a hat-trick of victories with a neat win in the Ballyhane Blenheim Stakes at Fairyhouse, in which the two British raiders finished just out of the places.

Natalia Lupini’s chestnut lost his maiden tag at the fifth time of asking at Naas in August, taking a six-furlong event, before backing that success up with another victory at Cork next time out.

He was required to take a step forward from that those two performances when stepping up to Listed level at Naas, and under Billy Lee he was a 4-1 chance in a field of seven.

Lee rode the colt patiently, slotting in on the outside to begin to mount a challenge when rounding the bend.

A handful of the field threw their hats in the ring to take up the lead, including Hollie Doyle on Archie Watson’s Vingegaard and Amy Murphy’s Itsatenfromlen but it was Rebel Diamond who stayed on best of all to secure a three-quarter-length victory from One Smack Mac.

Rebel Diamond comes through the pack in commanding fashion, finishing powerfully to take victory in the Listed Ballyhane Blenheim Stakes, for the duo of @wjlee24786 and Miss Natalia Lupini 🥇 pic.twitter.com/W2EUXUzFte

— Horse Racing Ireland (@HRIRacing) September 23, 2024

“He’s progressing well, he won very well in Cork, and quick ground is the key to him,” said the trainer’s partner Craig Bryson.

“It was a nice race here today and he seemed to win easy. We’re very happy with him.

“He has a good attitude, travels well and quickens well. Billy said he won as he liked there today and we’re happy that there is more to come from him.

“We’ll have a look and see (what is next) but he’s probably had plenty of racing this year. We’ll see how he is after that. He’s probably for sale so that’s a nice one to pick up.”