Diego Velazquez surged down the straight to win by seven lengths over Tarawa

Diego Velazquez made a triumphant return to form in the Meld Stakes at Leopardstown after facing challenging races earlier in the season. Under the guidance of jockey Ryan Moore, the Group Two winner showed his class by dominating the field over nine furlongs as the 8-11 favourite. Despite being pushed wide on the turn, Diego Velazquez surged down the straight to win by seven lengths over Tarawa.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien explained that the horse struggled in longer distances, but excelled in his preferred range of eight to ten furlongs. Looking ahead, O’Brien mentioned the possibility of targeting the Cox Plate and other international races for Diego Velazquez. Paddy Power has adjusted the odds for the Frankel colt, now making him a 16-1 contender for the Irish Champion Stakes. With a clearer understanding of the horse's strengths, O’Brien plans to carefully plan the next steps for Diego Velazquez in the autumn.