Alpha provides Harrington with first classic success

Jessica Harrington has claimed nearly all the top prizes under National Hunt rules, and indeed plenty on the level, but she broke new ground this afternoon, registering her first classic success with Alpha Centauri in the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas.

Successful on her first two starts, the daughter of Mastercraftsman was beaten a neck into second by Different League in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot.

She then disappointed when sent off favourite in the Moyglare, finishing tenth of thirteen on her return to action behind Who's Steph at Leopardstown last month.

Available at 33/1 in early shows, the imposing grey opened on-course at 14s before going off a 12/1 chance under Colm O'Donoghue for the Niarchos Family.

Settled in mid-division, she was pushed along from three furlongs out, with the front-running Could It Be Love still in a clear lead.

She was ridden and emerged from the pack over a furlong out, gradually reeling in the leader inside the final furlong, going on to score by a length and three parts.

The aforementioned Could It Be Love (33/1) finished second under Donnacha O'Brien for his father Aidan, while the 5/4 favourite Happily was another three parts of a length back in third.

Harrington, who was completing a double on the card having won the opener with Indigo Balance said afterwards: "It's fantastic - I've finally got the classic. I've been second and third and the horses have always run really well but this is dream come true for me to win a classic. It's almost as good as winning a Gold Cup!

"It's probably better, they are on a par, to win a race like this is absolutely fantastic. I'm just waiting for the Ascot winner now.

"This is the first time since Ascot last year that she's got good ground and that's the key to her. She likes good quick ground.

"She ran here in the Moyglare on soft to heavy and her first run this year was on soft to heavy ground.

"She's a big big filly and she just can't pull herself out of the heavy ground.

"Maybe as she gets older, maybe in the Autumn, she might get a little bit softer ground.

"It's a family operation but it's also thanks to the Niarchos' for sending me this beautiful horse. They have the most fantastic breed of horses.

"She's some big lady but she's a beautiful filly and she's gone and done it today so onward and upwards.

"I'd say we'll look at Ascot but we'll let the dust settle and see what we are doing.

"She's a lovely filly to have and there is a lot of work gone into this, it's not just me. There are an awful lot of people back at home who have done unbelievable work.

"I'm lucky to have the horses I have and I've got some lovely two-year-olds for this year as well.

"I'm 50/50 between jumps and flat and have about 80 each in peak season but it's a moveable feast.

"I'm going to Ballinrobe tomorrow and I might mow the grass as well before I go!"

O'Donoghue added: "She is a wonderful filly, she was such a good two-year-old. Mrs Harrington has just brought her on with kid gloves and minded her.

"The ground was very soft for her when we brought her to Leopardstown for the trial. We brought her to work after racing one day and she worked extremely well. Debbie (groom) has done an amazing job with her.

"She is such a laid back filly, and you don't know whether you're doing too much or too little with her. It's tremendous and everyone who works in the yard have done a wonderful job. The horses are bouncing."

On Harrington, he added: "She's a queen."

Electra Niarchos of the Niarchos family said: "It's really fabulous. Jessie has done a fabulous job with her. We thought a lot of her last year, we never stopped believing in her, and today she paid us back and it's great!

"It's really wonderful for everyone and we are so delighted."

STEWARDS REPORTS

R.P. Whelan, rider of Uluru Park trained by Brendan W.Duke, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount moved badly throughout this race.

The Stewards requested a report from Mrs John Harrington, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Alpha Centauri, placed first, as compared with its recent form at Leopardstown on the 14th April. Mrs John Harrington reported that her charge's improved run was solely as a result of the good going today as compared with the heavy going at Leopardstown. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson