It ended up being an epic duel.
Between stablemates. Between the veteran and the rising young star. Between ultimately two Darley Horses of the Year.
Ten-year-old Quick Sand AA, crowned Darley Horse of the Year in 2019, settled early in a stalking position, while three-year-old Diamond Gem AA, crowned the 2022 Darley Horse of the Year later that evening, remained in the group of frontrunners. They both entered into a strong drive, and pulled away together. Both gamely dug into the deep, muddy track, but it was the veteran who pulled head in the final strides to win by a neck, thereby ending Diamond Gem's perfect 4-for-4 record.
In a nod to the Arabian's staying power with age, Quick Sand AA captured the $40,000 Darley Sprint (G2) under jockey Rodolfo Guerra for trainer Jerenesto Torrez and breeders/owners Joe & Betty Gillis of Allegro Arabians.
Diamond Gem AA was second. And Like Moulin Rouge (later named 2022 Darley Older Horse of the Year) was third.
Final time for the seven furlong event was 1:36.03. Pictured below are the 1-2 winners, Quick Sand AA and Diamond Gem AA, sharing a winner's circle moment.
Congratulations to the winning connections!
Photos by Coady Photography
