Classic Quality Shines at the Curragh in a Memorable GUINEAS Weekend

There was a sense of occasion at The Curragh Racecourse last weekend as the first Classic meeting of the Irish flat season unfolded under glorious sunshine. At the home of champions, an enthusiastic crowd was treated to a superb two days of racing, showcasing the very best of Irish talent alongside international competition.
 
Gstaad Delivers Classic Success in the 2000 Guineas
The feature on day one, the Irish 2000 Guineas, provided a fitting centrepiece as Gstaad delivered a Classic success for Aidan O'Brien in the familiar colours of Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier and Michael Tabor.
 
It was a standout performance on a day dominated by jockey Ryan Moore, who recorded a superb four-timer. Moore got the meeting off to a flying start aboard Sergei Diaghilev, landing the opening two-year-old maiden for Westerberg and the Coolmore partners.
 
He later partnered Commanche Brave to victory in the Weatherbys Ireland Group 2 Greenland Stakes for Donnacha O'Brien and owner Muhaideb A. AlMuhaideb. Moore and Aidan O’Brien combined once again in the Group 3 Gallinule Stakes, where Causeway showed admirable determination to hold on for victory.
 
Elsewhere on the card, local trainer Dermot Weld saddled Purview to take the Listed Orby Stakes for owners Juddmonte.  The premier handicaps provided competitive and entertaining contests, with Perry Mason, trained and owned by Maurice Ahern, making all under Leigh Roche. Gavin Cromwell’s Invincible Will secured the second handicap for Andrew and William Treacy.
 
The second premier handicap saw a dramatic finish, with Eddie Lynam’s Headmaster getting up late to win in the colours of his brother John Lynam.  The finale went the way of Joseph O'Brien, as Count Bezukhov landed the three-year-old maiden under Dylan Browne McMonagle, completing a double on the day for him and Westerberg.
 
International Flair and Ballydoyle Brilliance on Day Two
Day two brought further quality, headlined by two Group 1 contests.
The Tattersalls Gold Cup saw the British raider Almaqam strike for the UK under Kieran Shoemark for trainer Ed Walker, adding an international dimension to the weekend.
The Irish 1000 Guineas, however, returned to Ballydoyle, with Precise delivering an impressive performance under Wayne Lordan for the Coolmore partners.  This success completed a treble on the day for Aidan O’Brien, who also saddled Sun Goddess to win the opening two-year-old maiden and Great Barrier Reef to capture the Group 3 Marble Hill Stakes, all ridden by Ryan Moore.
 
Paddy Twomey enjoyed Group 2 success as City of Memphis took the Lanwades Stud Stakes for the Zinlo Syndicate under Billy Lee.  Joseph O’Brien was back among the winners as Green Carrera landed the mile handicap in the colours of Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.
 
Andy Oliver’s Pretty Omagh Girl claimed the second handicap, while the meeting concluded with Westminster Moon providing Tony Martin and owner John Breslin with a fitting success under Seamie Heffernan.
 
A Positive Outlook for Irish Racing
It was a fantastic weekend of racing, and the management and team at the Curragh deserve tremendous credit for the quality of the event and the experience delivered.
 
The new three-year prize-money plan is already having a visible impact.  With the Curragh adding to prize-money levels across the weekend, comparisons with leading jurisdictions such as France, particularly at black-type level, are now increasingly positive, a welcome development for Irish racing.
 
AIRO would also like to acknowledge the continued support of Tattersalls, sponsors of the Owners’ Lounge at the Curragh, which continues to provide an excellent facility for owners.
 
All in all, the opening Classic meeting of the Irish season delivered on every level, competitive racing, strong international representation and a lively atmosphere.
 
Well done to all involved