Encosta de Lago sired the first North American winner from his stint at Coolmore’s Irish base when Lagoon Of Diamonds scored a stunning victory at Mountaineer Park on Saturday.

Lagoon Of Diamonds (2c Encosta De Lago – Nicole and Krista by Machiavellian) crossed to the front from a wide alley and repulsed a challenge from Peter The Gross to win a 1200m maiden by seven lengths.  And there was a further seven lengths to third place.

The Encosta colt cost US$500,000 at Saratoga in August 2009 and was originally trained by Bob Baffert but, after several unplaced runs, he was transferred to Kelly Ackerman.

Lagoon Of Diamonds still runs for his breeder Charles Fipke.  

The first winner for the Irish bred Encosta de Lagos was Griffin (Tipperary) and he was followed by Indigo Way (Doncaster) and Barbieri (Kempton Park).

In 2007, Encosta de Lago shuttled to Coolmore Ireland for a one-off season at a 40,000 euros service fee.