Diamond sparkles as Clonmel's National Produce Stake starts

SWORDS DIAMOND was the star of the show in the opening round of the National Produce Stake over 525 yards at Clonmel on Friday.

Having just the third race of his career, Graham Holland's September 2024 son of Swords Rex and Glenegat Mildred turned heat five into a procession.

Flying out from trap three he was soon in control and came home fully eight lengths to the good of market rival Sawdust Barry in posting a brilliant best-of-night 28.14sec.

Holland would double up in the finale when his National Puppy Stake champion Shotgun Dez held off kennelmate Riverside Rex in 28.61sec.

There was also an early double for trainer Michael O'Donovan who landed the opening two heats courtesy of Cushie Flytplan (28.48) and Hackney Dancer (28.62sec).

Other heats went to Jennifer O'Donnell's Scooby Marquess (28.36sec), Ken Busteed's Vivaro Warrior and Murt Leahy's Droopys Winsome (both 28.42sec) plus Brendan Maunsell's Ardfert Sam (28.72sec).