Witness the thrilling victories of Isaac Newton and Ethical Diamond at Leopardstown's Group 3 races, featuring strategic insights from top trainers and jockeys.
Leopardstown Racecourse was the epicenter of thrilling horse racing action on the evening of August 6, 2026. The track witnessed two Group 3 victories that left spectators on the edge of their seats. Isaac Newton and Ethical Diamond emerged as the stars of the show, delivering impressive performances that showcased their prowess and the strategic brilliance of their handlers.
The seven-race card was a testament to the depth of talent in the racing world, with jockeys and trainers from both sides of the Irish Sea bringing their A-game. The evening’s events not only highlighted the horses’ abilities but also the meticulous preparation and tactical acumen of their teams.
Isaac Newton’s Triumphant Return
Isaac Newton a three-year-old son of Camelot, made a stunning comeback in the Bahrain Turf Club Desmond Stakes. Trained by the renowned Aidan O’Brien and ridden by the skilled Ryan Moore the bay colt won by a commanding one-and-a-quarter lengths.
This victory was particularly significant as it marked the first part of a double for both O’Brien and Moore.
Isaac Newton’s journey to victory was not without its challenges. He had previously won a Listed race over one mile and one furlong at Navan in June, but this Group 3 contest was a step up in competition. The colt’s ability to rise to the occasion demonstrated his potential as a top-tier racehorse.
The runner-up, Needle Match trained by William Haggas and ridden by Tom Marquand put up a valiant effort but fell short by a length and a quarter. Audience another cross-channel contender trained by David O’Meara and ridden by Colin Keane finished third, showcasing the competitive nature of the race.
Ethical Diamond’s Hard-Fought Victory
Ethical Diamond a six-year-old trained by Willie Mullins added another feather to his cap with a hard-fought victory in the Ballyroan Stakes. Ridden by Ryan Moore the horse prevailed by a short head over Green Impact trained by Jessica Harrington and ridden by Shane Foley. This victory was a significant rebound for Ethical Diamond, who had previously disappointed in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot and finished fifth behind Calandagan at Meydan.
The Ballyroan Stakes was a grueling 1m 4 furlong contest, and Ethical Diamond’s victory was a testament to his endurance and the strategic prowess of his team. Mullins confirmed that the immediate aim for Ethical Diamond is a $1 million race at Kentucky Downs in September, with an eye on the Caulfield Cup in Melbourne later in the year.
“It was hard work, but he got the job done,” said Mullins, reflecting on the race. The victory not only secured an automatic ballot exemption for the Caulfield Cup but also reignited hopes for Ethical Diamond’s future performances.
Emerging Talents and Notable Performances
The evening also saw the debut of Wall Street a one million guineas Sea The Stars colt trained by Aidan O’Brien. Ridden by Wayne Lordan Wall Street won the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C&G) Maiden by a half-length over Jesus Green trained by Joseph O’Brien and ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle. This debut victory marked Wall Street as a promising talent to watch in future races.
Other notable performances included Hard Promises who lost his maiden tag after two third-place finishes, and Launch Time who gave trainer Cian Hughes a winner in The Carnival de Leop Handicap. Bella Colombia also made a mark with her third win of the season in the Renault Ireland Handicap.
The finale, the Fegentri World Championship (Q.R.) Handicap was won by Boxing Great ridden by Paul Cawley for trainer Karl Thornton. This victory capped off an exciting evening of racing at Leopardstown.
