Jet Setting and Shane Foley (near side) beat Minding© Photo Healy Racing
Adrian Keatley scored an epic giant killing victory in the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh today, as the rookie trainer claimed the scalp of star filly Minding (4/11f), with bargain purchase Jet Setting (9/1).
Jet Setting, under Shane Foley, raced with the pace throughout the mile trip but was joined by Aidan O'Brien's impressive English 1,000 Guineas winner Minding over a furlong out.
The pair were well clear of the remainder with a furlong to race and while Minding looked likely to edge ahead in the closing stages, Jet Setting rallied heroically close home, to edge a head win.
The win was also a maiden Classic win for Foley, who is stable jockey to Michael Halford and following the success, Keatley said “it's a dream and I was just hoping (in the closing stages) that she stayed where she was.
“She did something similar to what she did in Leopardstown and likes being in front and having daylight around her. I'm delighted! Delighted for the owners and everyone in the yard.
“They (owners Equinegrowthpartners Syndicate) are after paying out £40,000 a few weeks ago and E30,000 on Tuesday (to supplement Jet Setting) and it was a big ask and I have to thank them very much that they did.
“When the rain was forecast we said we'd have a go here and luckily enough for the lads it worked out as it was a big call.”
Keatley's swift rise to prominence mirrors in many ways the rise of Gordon Elliott in national hunt racing and, having already landed two trebles at faraway Ayr this year, quipped “hopefully this will help us get bigger, better and more competitive so we don't have to keep going to Ayr every Monday!”
Today's E171,000 first prize also dwarfs Jet Setting's cost price of 12,000gns last October, having failed to win in four starts for trainer Richard Hannon.
Regarding plans for Jet Setting, Keatley added “I don't know what's next and didn't look beyond today. She's entered in Ascot but whether she goes or not I don't know.
“She probably wouldn't go to Ascot if it was very fast but if there was a bit of ease she might. We'll consider it and have a look.
“If she's that good at a mile why would we try and change anything.”
Minding's trainer Aidan O'Brien later confirmed his charge has suffered a bang to her head leaving the starting stalls.
The Champion Trainer reported “Minding anticipated the (opening of) the gate and banged her head and burst a sinus just before the gates opened. It was one of those things but she ran very well and am delighted to be second with everything that has happened.
“Blood came down her nose and she ran a great race and was second to a very hardy and good filly on the day.”
By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson
