Irish 2,000 Guineas: Rosallion’s late charge secures victory at the Curragh – BBC Sport

Rosallion edged out stablemate Haatem in a thrilling race to the finish line to give Richard Hannon a Classic one-two in the Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh.

The colts were second and third respectively in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket in early May, with Charlie Appleby’s Notable Speech something of a shock winner.

Sean Levey took the ride on Rosallion, the 10-11 favourite, but in the closing stages Haatem looked to be cruising home under jockey Jamie Spencer.

However, a swift turn of foot from the favourite changed the complexion of the race in the final strides and it was Rosallion, owned by Sheikh Mohammed, who was victorious by a head.

River Tiber finished third of the eight runners for the one-mile race, beaten by a further length and a quarter.

“I’m delighted, both of them have run a super race,” said Hannon.

“Rosallion was a bit keen early and Haatem is such a brave horse, he’s run such a lovely race and I’ve never known a horse to have as many supporters as he has. He probably didn’t deserve to get beat but his day will come.

“Rosallion, I’m absolutely delighted with him, I couldn’t be happier.

“He took a bit of time to pick them up. He’s such a hyped horse and he’s not going to please everybody. He proved he got the trip today and that was the pleasing thing.

“We’ll go to the St James’s Palace Stakes and try our best to beat the horse that beat us last time. It will be hard.”

Rosallion has been installed as 7-4 favourite from 3-1 with some bookmakers for the St James’s Palace at Royal Ascot, where he will likely meet Notable Speech again.