Canford Cliffs ran out an impressive winner of the Abu Dhabi-sponsored Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh.
Richard Hughes’ ride had been the 9/4 favourite and delivered a spirited win, finishing three lengths ahead of Free Judgement to take the big cash prize of €325,000.
The first of Aidan O’Brien’s horses to complete the mile-long classic was Viscount Nelson who came in third ahead of O’Brien’s much-fancied Steinbeck.
“I’ve always been mad about the horse,” said Canford Cliffs trainer Richard Hannon immediately after the race. “He’s possibly the best horse we’ve ever had.”
Canford Cliffs, 9/4F; Free Judgement 25/1; Viscount Nelson 20/1
