IT WAS A case of Power by name and power by nature as the Aidan O’Brien mount rallied strongly to win the Abu Dhabi Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh.
Ridden by Aidan’s son, Joseph, the horse started at 5-1 after a poor showing on his seasonal bow at the Newmarket Guineas recently.
Power’s stablemate Daddy Long Legs steamed away in the early stages but was eventually clawed back to the chasing pack.
O’Brien spurred Power on as the final challenge came from Bryan Smart’s 33-1 outsider, Foxtrot Romeo.
Joseph O’Brien said, “They went a very good gallop and my horse was nice and relaxed.” He added:
I was creeping away down the rail and I had plenty of cover. I didn’t want to get to the front too soon and the lads were a long way in front.
“I wasn’t sure if I was going to get to them but in fairness, he quickened up very well when I needed him.”
Reply, another from the O’Brien stable, finished third.
Trumpet Major set off as the 9-4 favourite but never figured in the final shake-up.
Earlier in the day, there were wins for Tiddliwinks, Cay Verde and Nandiga.
