Cover image courtesy of Vinery Stud
Diamonds, who was a dual-Listed winner on the track, has made a promising start to her breeding career, leaving a Wootton Bassett colt last season, and now an I Am Invincible filly. She was purchased as a broodmare prospect via the Magic Millions June Online Sale in 2023 for $560,000 via Belmont Bloodstock Agency (FBAA).
A mare with close family connections
There was real incentive for Linda Monds and Tyreel Stud to purchase this mare, with the link to a couple of gallopers that they knew very well.
“She is from a beautiful family, a family we know well.” Monds explained.
“Written Dash and Written In Code are both horses we know well, and they feature in the page, so that was attractive to us.”
“She is a mare that we just had to have. It was a pity that we had to pay so much for her but we had to have her.”
“She (Diamonds) is a mare that we just had to have. It was a pity that we had to pay so much for her but we had to have her.” - Linda Monds
“Diamonds has now gone on to produce this lovely I Am Invincible filly, she is a really, really nice filly. We are very happy with her.”
I Am Invincible x Diamonds filly | Born at Tyreel Stud
The dam of Diamonds (Rich Enuff), Balsamico (Redoute’s Choice) was a winner over 1200 metres and is a three-quarter-sister to Fullazz (Redoute’s Choice), a flashy grey filly who was a Listed winner as a juvenile. She has become the dam of Group 1 winner and now stallion D’Argento.
Another half-sister was Admirelle (General Nediym), who was stakes placed and became the dam of Sizzling, also a Group 1 winner as a 2-year-old and later a stallion.
Balsamico produced seven winners, including Diamonds, herself a stakes winner, and Masthead (Written Tycoon), who was Group 1 placed in the Blue Diamond Stakes.
As previously mentioned, gallopers that Monds has a connection with - Written Dash (Written Tycoon), a Group 3 winner, and Written In Code (I Am Invincible), who was Group placed – both feature in the pedigree.
Linda Monds | Image courtesy of Tyreel Stud
While the pedigree of Diamonds was clearly a major drawcard, she also proved herself on the track. She was the winner of eight races, all over 1200 metres or less, earning just under $390,000 in prizemoney. Among her wins were the Listed City Of Marion Stakes and the Listed Christmas Handicap.
Characteristics of the 'Vinnie' filly
When asked about the I Am Invincible filly, Monds described her as:
“Everything you are looking for, good head, bright eye, and really intelligent.
“She has great substance, good bone and strength, and just is a really nice, neat, good-bodied filly.”
“It would be nice if all foals were born like her, she has everything you could want.”
“It would be nice if all foals were born like her (I Am Invincible x Diamonds filly), she has everything you could want.” - Linda Monds
Potentially a foundation mare of the future for Tyreel?
When asked about the mare’s first foal – a Wootton Bassett (GB) colt – Monds had nothing but praise.
“He is a very nice colt and will be heading towards the Easter Sale next year. For a first foal, he is very impressive and is growing out beautifully.
“He has good strength and overall is a very nice individual.”
Diamonds | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
On the back of the mare's start to her broodmare career, Monds is enthusiastic about her future and willing to invest in her accordingly.
“On the back of him and this filly, we are happy to back the mare up again with an expensive fee, and she will be going to Too Darn Hot this season.
“When they show you what they can leave, and they are a lovely mare, it gives you confidence to breed them well.
“We have hopes that she can turn into a real foundation mare.” - Linda Monds
“We have hopes that she can turn into a real foundation mare.”
