Rising star Tears to Diamonds continued his rapid progression through the Malaysian racing grades when he thumped a quality field in yesterday’s Group One Yang Di Pertua Negeri Gold Cup (2200m).

Ridden to perfection by Jackson Low, Tears to Diamonds streaked clear in the straight and then easily held out his rivals in a race dominated by Australian bred, Magic Millions graduates.

A son of Royal Academy, Tears to Diamonds was purchased by Yeoh Kheng Chye for $38,000 at the 2009 Gold Coast Yearling Sale from the draft of Eliza Park.

The exciting galloper was bred in Victoria by Ken Williams and Ken Biggins.

Tears to Diamonds, prepared by Richard Lines, notched up win six from just nine starts – he’s been placed second on two other occasions.

“It was a fantastic result,” Magic Millions Sales Director David Chester said from Malaysia. “We had four runners in the race and they filled the first four placings.”

“Tears to Diamonds sat on the speed throughout and showed great acceleration in the straight to put the result beyond doubt.”

“He looks an exciting prospect having six wins and two seconds from just nine runs and now a winner at Group One level here in Malaysia,” Chester added.

Tears to Diamonds is the first runner for the winning Umatilla mare Tears of Argentina – a half sister to the six time winner and stakes placed Rancho Ruler galloper Ranch.

Further back it is the same family as group winners including Vitalic, Tears Royal, My Evita and the stakes winning juvenile Don’t Cry.

The Gold Cup minor placegetters Lim’s Fighter (Flying Spur-Sky Watch) and Good Nature (Way of Light-Tears We Cry) both ran well, but on the day were no match for their lightly weighted rival.

Winner: Tears to Diamonds
Breeding: Royal Academy-Tears of Argentina (Umatilla)
Race: Penang TC Yang Di Pertua Negeri Gold Cup G1 (2200m)
Sold for: $38,000
Sale: 2009 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Eliza Park (As Agent)
Buyer: Yeoh Kheng Chye
Earnings: M$697,444
Owner(s): Tivic Stable
Trainer: Richard Lines

Photo courtesy of Penang Turf Club.