Masterclass by Craftsman in Guineas

Mastercraftsman showed too many gears for his rivals in the Boylesports Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh today.

Johnny Murtagh sent his mount to the front over two furlongs out and he powered clear in the closing stages for a four-and-a-half length verdict.

The Aga Khan's Rayeni stayed on for second while English raider Soul City claimed third. Delegator proved a disappointment, beating only one home.

Aidan O'Brien, who was training his ninth consecutive Irish Classic winner, said:-

"Snow held up the preparation of most of my horses in the spring and while they were ready to run they lacked match practice.

"The first week of May was the first time they started to show something and after Newmarket I wasn't surprised the improvement he showed. Some of mine improved drastically from their first run.

"This horse has serious class and has a great cruising speed. He was ridden with confidence and we had no worries going to the front - he's versatile.

"He'll probably get 1m2f but with that class and pace we'll stick to a mile and most likely his next run will be the St James Palace Stakes at Ascot."

Cashmans slashed the winner from 10/1 to to 3/1f for the Royal Ascot race..