In the space of little over a week, Dan Skelton’s new recruit Too Many Diamonds completed a quick fire four-timer at Market Rasen on Sunday having previously failed to win in 41 attempts.
The six-year-old made the switch to Lodge Hill from Clare Ellam’s Shropshire yard at the start of this month, having showed precious little over obstacles thus far.
Entered in a Class 5 handicap hurdle at Plumpton on May 14, he duly took up the two-mile contest and proved far too superior on the day running out a 13-length winner.
Only two days later, he made the long journey up north to Sedgefield to compete in a similar 0-100 handicap hurdle.
Under Harry Skelton for the first time, the gelding sauntered clear over the last two flights to register a second emphatic victory this time by 12-lengths.
With connections looking to stay one step ahead of the handicapper, the Alcester handler sent his charge to Bangor on Saturday.
Facing different conditions and a battling Donald McCain-trained rival, he found what was required to score by a few lengths.
Twenty four hours later at Market Rasen, he was ridden out after the last to land his fourth victory.
“Going across the line I gave him a big pat and he deserves it,” said Harry.
“Incredible little horse really to do that, to be sound enough, tough enough and obviously to have a workable mark with.
Everyone has played their part
“Dan’s placed him tremendously well and the results are speaking. Everyone has played their part in getting him here.”
A son of the French-bred Diamond Green, Too Many Diamonds began his career as a two-year-old in Ireland with trainer Damian English. He ran in a series of maidens, one of which saw him finish behind dual Group 1-winner War Command.
Having tried many handicaps, the closest result being a half-length second over a mile at Dundalk, he then made the move to Ellam who wasted no time in sending him over hurdles.
