Fitzgerald finishes fabulous four-timer

Diamant Noir proved the highlight of a fabulous 123-1 four-timer for Mick Fitzgerald as she galloped to glory at Kempton Park today.

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The well-backed 7-4 favourite was also the centrepiece of a remarkable 15-minute treble for the Jonjo O’Neill stable, scoring only minutes after World Wide Web had taken the valuable Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown and shortly before Noplanofaction took a hot bumper at Chepstow.

The quickfire strikes helped serve notice that isolated cases of illness at Jackdaw’s Castle are not hampering the form of the stable’s runners.

Diamant Noir appeared in trouble when the pace quickened approaching the second-last flight in the jobs.co.uk Mares’ Only Handicap Hurdle.

But Fitzgerald soon got the winner travelling again and she quickened up well to lead over the last and pull away for an eight-length verdict.

“This step up to three miles really suited her,” said O’Neill’s representative Robert Bellamy.

“Last time over two and a half at Huntingdon, she was beaten for speed on a flat track.

“But she is a real stayer and she loved this trip today. We will stay in mares’ races for the time being and hopefully there will be some more opportunities for her.”

Fitzgerald had earlier given an equally well-judged ride to Carraciola, the winner of the Jobs@Pertemps Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase.

Punters were left with their fingers burned when Thisthatandtother, the 4-11 favourite, failed to find enough in the home straight to catch Caracciola.

The 5-2 winner quickened up around the home turn under Fitzgerald and Joe Tizzard was never quite able to reel in his rival, going down by three and a half lengths.

Thisthatandtother remains the favourite for the Arkle Chase, with Paul Nicholls not too disappointed with his charge, despite losing his unbeaten record over fences.

“He ran a bit flat and he probably needs a nice break now to freshen him up,” he said.