Kingman and James Doyle© Photo Healy Racing
The John Gosden trained Kingman (4/5f) produced a devastating turn of foot to easily win the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at The Curragh today, maintaining a fine run of results at the venue for winning jockey James Doyle.
Runner-up to Night Of Thunder in the English 2,000 Guineas 21 days ago, the son of Invincible Spirit was only confirmed a runner in today's rain softened Classic shortly before the race but in the end, a Kingman win never really looked in much doubt.
Kingmand and Doyle tracked the leaders for much of the trip and was produced to lead under a furlong out, before stretching clear for an impressive five lengths win over fellow British raider Shifting Power The Dermot Weld trained Mustajeeb led the home defence in third place.
Doyle was catapulted to stardom after Royal Ascot last year and, having signed a retainer with Kingman's owner Khalid Abdullah last August, was today partnering his third Group 1 winner from just three rides at the Co Kildare racecourse.
Following Kingman's win, Gosden revealed “I was quite close to taking him out but what made up my mind was it was fresh ground. It was very heavy ground out there but it was lovely fresh ground and the track was in pristine order; if they had ran a handicap on that ground beforehand, he wouldn't have run. Alls well that ends well though and you could see two furlongs out he was still cruising.
“He is a very talented colt and its great to win a Guineas with him. I told James to wait and wait, as the mile out there would take some getting in the conditions and he rode a beautiful race.
“He is a miler and it will be great fun taking on Richard Hannon's horse again (Night Of Thunder) and hopefully they'll both go for the St James' Palace next.”
By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson
