Tabarrak primed for Diomed Stakes

Seven-year-old faces former winners at Newbury

The final day of Newbury Racecourse’s three-day Restart Fixture today is highlighted by the rescheduled Group 3 Diomed Stakes, where the Classic generation gets an early chance to test themselves against their seniors.

Traditionally held at Epsom

Racecourse as part of the Derby Festival, it has been moved to the Berkshire course due to the BHA’s reshuffling of races in the wake of Covid-19. The race is named after Diomed, the inaugural winner of the Epsom Derby. It was established in 1971.

This year’s renewal sees the winners of the last two running of the race at Epsom, Century Dream and Zaaki, return to try their luck at Newbury.

A high-class Flat and National Hunt track, Newbury’s lefthanded, galloping course offers horses a true test of stamina, much like Epsom Downs. As a result, today’s race holds promise of providing a similar feel to the original Diomed Stakes run at the Surrey track.

The nine-runner field is headed by market leader King Of Comedy who has run some big races at Ascot, Newmarket, York and Sandown but makes his debut at Newbury.

First win

Tabarrak, an 11/2 third favourite, will be ridded by Jim Crowley for retaining owner Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance.

A seven-year-old son of Acclamation, Tabarrak makes his seasonal debut having closed out last year by taking out the Listed Dubai Duty Free Cup Stakes at this course, in September.