Nicely-backed Homecoming Queen showed her battling qualities when fending off Fire Lily at Leopardstown by a neck in the Group 3 1,000 Guineas Trial Stakes at Leopardstown.

The daughter of Holy Roman Emperor was supported from 12/1 to 8/1 on course and was given a good front-running ride by Colm O’Donoghue who kept enough in reserve at the business end of the race to keep 7/4 favourite Fire Lily at bay.

O’Brien also saddled the third horse in the race, Up who was ridden by his son Joseph to reward each way punters at 9/2.

Commenting on the winner, Aidan O’Brien said: “She is a hardy little filly and she improved nicely from the Curragh [ninth on 25th March].

“She will go into one of the Guineas now.”

Boylesports gave Homecoming Queen quotes of 25/1 (from 33/1) for the English 1,000 Guineas and introduced her at 33/1 for the Oaks.

Stan James were more impressed today as they cut her to 25/1 from 66/1 for the Guineas and the Oaks. They also cut Fire Lily to 33/1 from 66/1 for the Guineas.

Michael Graham