Trainer Peter Snowden and jockey Damian Browne have teamed up for successive Blue Diamond Stakes wins as Pride Of Dubai scored a thrilling victory in the $1 million race.
As then head trainer for Sheikh Mohammed, Snowden won the 2014 edition with Earthquake with Browne in the saddle.
Pride Of Dubai
Now running a public stable with his son Paul, Snowden once again called on Browne’s services for the perfect result in Melbourne’s richest two-year-old race.
Settling midfield on the rails, Pride Of Dubai ($6) saved ground before taking a split to put himself in the finish.
But the colt had no sooner been hailed the winner when the $101 chance Reemah flashed down the outside to make it close.
Lake Geneva ($13) took the minor placing.
The favourite Fontiton was given a perfect run by Mark Zahra and she got into the clear at the right time only to weaken out of the money.
“It was a bit hairy there trying to get through the gap because Mark (Zahra) was trying to shut the gate on me,” Browne said.
“Lucky that I was on a big, strong horse.”
Browne said Pride Of Dubai was destined to carry his form beyond his juvenile season.
“This horse is going to be a top horse next year,” he said. “This year is just a bonus.”
Peter Snowden also trained Sepoy to win the 2011 Blue Diamond.
