Dermot Weld registered his fourth Irish 1,000 Guineas win at The Curragh today when his Bethrah under Pat Smullen, arrived late to take this year's Etihad Airways sponsored renewal.
The a daughter of Marju, successful previously in a Limerick maiden and in the 1,000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown, raced in mid-division before eventually making her way through the field in the final furlong to get her head in front at the line, for a head win over Anna Salai
Afterwards a delighted Weld reported “Bethrah is very progressive and it is great to train my first Classic winner for her owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. Today was the day and I'll talk with Sheikh Hamdan's racing manager Angus Gold before making plans – she should have no difficulty getting a mile and a quarter though.”
He added “she was a little bit the forgotten filly coming here but she is tough and genuine and is very adaptable ground-wise. A lot of work went into her over the winter to get her settled in stalls and that work has paid off today.”
Bethrah's win was completing a doubles for Weld and Smullen, having earlier taken the two year old maiden.
