Although he won five races in 32 starts at Kranji, the NZ$15,000 purchase at the 1999 New Zealand Select Colts Sale was never a great force in the island republic.

But LT Stable’s FLYING DIAMOND has made phenomenal progress since he was transferred to Malaysia to be trained by former jockey Danny Ng in Ipoh.

Racing after a spell, he has now won four of his nine starts in Malaysia this year, culminating with his victory in the richest race in Malaysia today.

Ng, who returned to train in Malaysia only one-and-half years ago after a stint in Perth where he first obtained his trainer’s licence, said he was not surprised at FLYING DIAMOND’s win.

"He has always been a consistent horse and I knew he would do well. And he has one of the best jockeys around in Grant Cooksley to partner him," said Ng. It was his first classic success.

If his victory was not unexpected, the margin certainly was. FLYING DIAMOND beat the favourite and multiple classic winner OPPOSING FORCE (7 ch.nz.g Jetball - Delia’s Choice by Sir Tristram) by five lengths.

TIGER IN THE WOODS (5 br.a.g Greig - Postette by Top Post), third in the Perak Derby in April and winner of the Otard Cup last week, finished third of 15 runners.