The recent form makes for interesting reading. Going back through his last six races, he has back-to-back third-place finishes sandwiched between that Downpatrick victory, which suggests he was in decent shape heading into the win and has kept a similar level since. The most recent run — a blank — is the one blot, but horses have off days, and the overall picture is of an animal who is consistent rather than spectacular.
What stands out is the partnership with Mr Finn Buckley, who has ridden Diamond Tipp in five of his 11 races without the pair managing to get their heads in front together. That is not necessarily a criticism — horses and jockeys go through lean spells — but it does mean the one win came with someone else in the saddle. It is a quirk worth watching as the season continues.
Behind the scenes, Diamond Tipp is trained by John C McConnell at Stamullen in County Meath, and the yard is clearly in good health right now — 42 winners sent out this season is a serious number and speaks to a team that knows how to prepare horses. Diamond Tipp may not be the stable star, but he is part of a well-run operation, which counts for something.
| Course | Races | Results | Last visited | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downpatrick Undulating |
4 | 1 win, 1 second, 2 thirds | 10 Oct | 25% |
| Kilbeggan Tight |
2 | 2 other | 1 Jun | 0% |
| Cork Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 5 Jul | 0% |
| Bellewstown Sharp |
1 | 1 second | 28 Aug | 0% |
| Cheltenham Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 24 Oct | 0% |
| Fairyhouse Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 5 Apr | 0% |
| Tramore Sharp |
1 | 1 second | 18 Aug | 0% |