Rocky’s Diamond in good shape for Galmoy defence

Declan Queally is confident Rocky’s Diamond will put up a staunch defence of his crown in the John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park on Thursday.

The six-year-old was a decisive winner of the Grade Two contest 12 months ago and went on to finish fourth in the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Following a spell over fences, Rocky’s Diamond made a disappointing return to the smaller obstacles at Leopardstown last month, but his trainer and amateur rider is expecting him to bounce back with the headgear that was applied that day removed.

“Putting the visors on at Christmas was a bit of a mess to be honest, I don’t think he enjoyed them at all. He ran on his nerves, he didn’t stay like he can stay and didn’t jump like he can jump either,” said Queally.

“I’m looking forward to running him on Thursday on proper soft ground, he likes those conditions and he likes the track – he’s won there twice before.

“You can just draw a line through his run in Leopardstown and we’ll see a different horse on Thursday, I think.”

The County Waterford handler also saddles consistent mare Mozzies Sister, who has only once finished out of the first three places in 14 career starts.

Queally added: “She’s a decent mare and the syndicate that own her are looking forward to a good day out.

“She’s very versatile and never runs a bad race. She’s got plenty of black type and we’re hoping we can nick another bit.”

Staffordshire Knot steps up in class after landing a Punchestown handicap hurdle and a conditions race at Clonmel, while his trainer Gordon Elliott also runs five-time Grade One-winning chaser Gerri Colombe, who switches back to the smaller obstacles after being pulled up in the Savills Chase over the festive period.

Joseph O’Brien will be hoping Home By The Lee will strip fitter for his comeback fourth behind star stayer Teahupoo at Leopardstown, with the Mouse Morris-trained Franciscan Rock and Lantry Lady from Henry de Bromhead’s yard completing the line-up.