< Samitar gave Mick Channon his first taste of Classic glory as she swooped to land the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas at the Curragh under young jockey Martin Harley.

Newmarket Guineas heroine Homecoming Queen started favourite and once again set off in front, but coming down the straight she was being shadowed by the eventual winner, who looked to be travelling much the better.

Once asked to quicken a furlong out Samitar (12-1) scooted into the lead and she had a length and a half to spare over outsider Ishvana at the line, with Princess Sinead a further two and a quarter lengths away in third.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained So You Think could hardly have won more easily as he followed up last year's victory in the Tattersalls Gold Cup with a show of complete authority.

Joseph O'Brien eased into the lead on the home turn and the 2-11 favourite was always in total control as he surged away from the more than useful Famous Name in the straight to score by six lengths.

The latter's trainer Dermot Weld looks to have a three-year-old to go to war with in Speaking Of Which who put up an impressive display in the Airlie Stud Gallinule Stakes and is heading for the Irish Derby.

Pat Smullen found a nice split between long-time leader Crius and Athens going to the final furlong and the 7-1 shot, wearing headgear for the first time, cleared right away to win by nine lengths from Soon

Ballydoyle juvenile Lines Of Battle (5-1) could go to Royal Ascot after a highly encouraging debut in the Big Bad Bob EBF Maiden, sticking on well in the final furlong to edge out the experienced favourite Leitir Mor by a head.

Johnny Murtagh looked to have slipped his field on Royal Diamond in the valuable Paddy Power Handicap, but Marc Monaghan gave chase on the in-form Midnight Soprano (14-1) and Paul Deegan's mare got up in the shadow of the post to win by a neck.