Diamonds returns to racing

Diamonds Pour Moi makes a long-awaited return to racing today when lining up in a Listed race at Saint-Cloud.

A winner of her only start as a two-year-old, Diamonds Pour Moi (pictured right) produced an excellent effort when third in the Listed Cheshire Oaks on her season's debut, and trainer Ralph Beckett then prepared her for the Gr.1 Investec Oaks at Epsom. However, hopes she could make a mark were dashed when she was pulled up two furlongs out by Oisin Murphy.

Routine veterinary care and a long break followed, and she has been steadily brought back to the boil for the Prix Belle De Nuit (14.05 local time, 13.05 in UK), for which 16 fillies have been declared, including several cross-Channel raiders. Alexis Badel rides Diamonds Pour Moi, who carries the colours of Sheikh Fahad's Pearl Bloodstock.

Qatar Racing's Guiding Star has left Henry Candy's stable and makes her debut for Johnny Murtagh in a maiden at Dundalk this evening (19.00). Fourth at Kempton on her most recent start, she will be ridden by Colin Keane.

Also running in the race is newcomer Duplication, although he has worked at Dundalk as part of the build-up to his debut. Trained by Joseph O'Brien, he will be ridden by his younger brother, Donnacha.

Spirit charms at Goffs

Goffs' November Foal Sale was completed yesterday, and there were some excellent results for Qatar Bloodstock stallion Charm Spirit, who is set to return to Tweenhills in Gloucestershire in the New Year following a season in France. Among Charm Spirit's five foals on offer was a colt from Maurice Burns' Rathasker Stud who was knocked down for €100,000, while another son of the sire, this time from Baroda and Colbinstown Stud, realised €68,000 the buyers were Sheikh Hamdan's Shadwell Estates and Abbey Farm.

Photograh: Laurence Squire