Tough Diademe takes Westbury Classic

6 March 2013

A tough front-running performance saw Diademe (NZ) (Savabeel) land Group Three success in the Westbury Classic at Ellerslie on Wednesday.

Ridden by Opie Bosson, the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained mare crossed the line 1 1/4 lengths clear of class mare Final Touch (NZ) (Kashani) with Fleur de Lune (NZ) (Stravinsky)taking third prize.

“The plan was to sit on the pace but no one wanted to lead so I went to the front,” said Bosson. “She travelled beautifully and was still on the bit turning for home, when I gave her a squeeze she really gave me a lot.

“She is a class mare and I knew what she had. She is definitely a Group One horse, what she did in just one preparation last year was huge.”

Bred by Waikato Stud, Diademe (NZ) completed her first season of racing with three wins and four placing from seven starts and was having her first start this preparation on Wednesday.

She is set to be given her chance at Group One success shortly. Baker has nominated the four-year-old for the Gr.1 Doncaster Mile in April but was cautious about confirming a start in the feature Australian race, just yet.

“She is still in the Doncaster, but she would have to run well in the next couple to think about that,” he said.

“The Group One Breeders’ Stakes at Te Aroha (April 6th) looks to be a good option for her, she is just a very strong wilful horse and she likes to be there.

“I wouldn’t like to be married to her because she is one tough cookie.”

The Corner with Garry Chittick

Well, I got a bit behind last week, with Friday slipping by without realising it; hence no Corner. I have said on too many occasions that negative messages are of no help to anyone, and yet there seems so often a reason to be concerned. Clearly, this week the well-constructed Guerin Report on the threatened downgrade of our Group 1 races demands our attention.

21 October 2026

Vale Ohope Wins, Ocean Park’s tough, kind and courageous daughter

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