France: Diamond Necklace holds off Pink Panthera in French Oaks

She was forced to repel a late threat, but Diamond Necklace extended her winning streak to five races with her third Group 1 victory in Sunday’s $1.15 million French Oaks at Chantilly.

Diamond Necklace, who paid $3 as a heavy favorite in American pools, closed from seventh in a field of 11 to take the lead more than a furlong from the finish. Ridden by Ryan Moore, Diamond Necklace was unable to pull away, finishing a short neck in front of 34-1 Pink Panthera.

The French Oaks at 1 5/16 miles was Diamond Necklace’s longest race.

“She did everything perfectly,” Moore told the press. “She has an exceptional mind.

“She got off to a great start. She was always exactly where I needed her to be.

“Throughout the race I had a feeling she was going to win.”

Inis Mor (22-1) finished third.

Diamond Necklace, trained by Aidan O’Brien for the Coolmore syndicate and Georg Von Opel, won her first two starts in Ireland last summer, including the minor Ingabelle Stakes at seven furlongs.

By St. Mark’s Basilica, Diamond Necklace has won three consecutive Group 1 races in France, including the Prix Marcel Boussac at a mile at Longchamp last October and the French 1000 Guineas at a mile at Longchamp on May 10 in her first start of the year.

Diamond Necklace is the fifth filly to sweep the Marcel Boussac, French 1000 Guineas and French Oaks, and first since Blue Rose Cen in 2022 and 2023.

O’Brien hinted that races at 1 1/2 miles will be considered for Diamond Necklace. He said the narrow margin of victory was not a surprise. In her first four starts, Diamond Necklace won by margins ranging from one length to three lengths.

“At home, she’s exactly like that – she doesn’t like to stay in front for too long and never gives her all too early,” O’Brien said. “Whatever distance she’s working, she comes on easily and then waits.

“Personally, I think she’s more likely waiting for the others than lacking stamina.”

O’Brien said Diamond Necklace will be pointed to stakes leading to the Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at 1 1/2 miles at Longchamp on Oct. 4.

“What happens next will depend on what we learn about her,” O’Brien said. “It’s quite possible she’ll return in a prep race for the Arc, but we’ll see. For now, we’re just going to take her time with her.”

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