Regal Reality (5-1) got Betfred Derby day off to a winning start for jockey Ryan Moore with victory in the Group Three Betfred Diomed Stakes at Epsom.
The Sir Michael Stoute-trained eight-year-old triumphed in good style in the Group Three opener and may have booked a return trip to Royal Ascot for the Listed Wolferton Stakes – a race he finished fourth in last season – before a potential trip to Glorious Goodwood later in the summer. Under Moore, Regal Reality was sat in the rear of the pace set by Marie's Diamond and Hollie Doyle. He was still in arrears after the turn at Tattenham Corner as the Charlie Appleby-trained 2-1 favourite Highland Avenue made his move under Liverpool FC fan William Buick. The Godolphin five-year-old hit the front with a couple of furlongs remaining of the extended mile contest with Roger Varian's Kolsai (5-2) also moving up to challenge. But as that duo battled on the inside, Moore brought Regal Reality down the outer with a perfectly-timed run. He scored by half-a-length from Highland Avenue with Kolsai a further length back in third.
The winner is owned by Peter Done, the brother of Fred Done – boss of sponsors Warrington-based bookmakers Betfred.
