Diamonds makes impressive return

She may have been absent from the racecourse since the first Friday in June, but Diamonds Pour Moi was fit and ready to score in convincing style at Saint-Cloud in France today.

The Pearl Bloodstock-owned filly beat 15 rivals in the Listed Prix Belle De Nuit, coming home two lengths and one and a quarter lengths clear of the Andre Fabre-trained pair of Jollify and Armande. Diamonds Pour Moi, pictured right under Oisin Murphy, was ridden today by Alexis Badel.

It was a fine training performance by Hampshire-based trainer Ralph Beckett, who had patiently nursed the filly back after she pulled up in the Gr.1 Investec Oaks at Epsom. Routine veterinary care and a lengthy holiday ensued, and today she appeared to improve on her very good second in May's Listed Cheshire Oaks. She had no problem with the heavy ground, which only underlined that she was fit and happy after her break.

Photograph: Laurence Squire