Roderic back to his best to land a special win Joseph O'Brien (17) gave Roderic O'Connor a brilliant uncomplicated ride from the front to land a famous win for his father Aidan in the Abu Dhabi Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh. In the words of his rider, Roderic O'Connor "jumped very quick and I didn't want to take him back" and the Galileo colt stayed on well inside the final furlong to beat the staying-on favourite Dubawi Gold, who didn't have the best of luck in running. Joseph, who will be 18 on Monday said: "I owe the owners a big thanks for giving me this opportunity. Dad had him ready for today and he picked up from the three pole. He stays very well and he is very genuine. "That's about my 60th winner now and this is what you dream of." Meanwhile an understandably emotional Aidan said: "This is one of those days that you couldn't dream about happening. I can't explain just how delighted we are. Joseph works very hard and he knows this horse well. "All credit must go to the owners for giving him the chance. "The horse is very brave and stays very well. They went full throttle at Newmarket and he just blew up after two furlongs. It can happen with a horse first time out. "Joseph knew that wasn't his true running. He is a horse that doesn't mind the ground and he could go for the French or Epsom Derby now." This was Aidan O'Brien's 24th Irish classic winner and it was young Joseph's 8th ride in a classic. Richard Hannon was understandably downcast after Dubawi Gold came from off the pace to finish second. He said: "I don't want to say too much, but why he (Richard Hughes) sat coming out of the stalls I don't know. "He was a long way behind and the horse should have won. "He's a good horse and there'll be other days, but you don't get to win a Guineas very often." Paddy Power go 12/1 Roderic O'Connor for the Epsom Derby, Boylesports go 14s and Ladbrokes go 20s. Meanwhile Stan James are 16/1 (from 25s) for the same race.
