Magna Grecia provides O'Brien with terrific tenth success in 2,000 Guineas

Ballydoyle maestro Aidan O’Brien celebrated a terrific tenth victory in the Qipco 2,000 Guineas after Magna Grecia scored under the trainer's son Donnacha O'Brien at odds of 11-2.

The colt, owned by Derrick Smith, John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Flaxman Stables, stayed on strongly on the stands' side to beat 66-1 outsider King Of Change by two and a half lengths.

Stablemate and favourite Ten Sovereigns travelled well on his first start over a mile, but the stands' side runners – including two of the first three – were clear.

Watch the 2,000 Guineas replay

The winning trainer said: "I'm delighted with Magna Grecia – he's a lovely horse, developed well over the winter and matured great. He's very exciting and we thought he'd get a mile well even though he had plenty of pace last year.

"Donnacha was always in a fantastic position on him and it's a massive team effort. John [Magnier, part-owner] always thought he was a miler and we think that will be the route we'll be going with the Irish Guineas and then Ascot."

Donnacha O'Brien celebrates back-to-back wins in the 2,000 GuineasCredit: Edward Whitaker

O'Brien's remarks suggest Epsom is unlikely to be on the agenda for the winner, who is not entered in the Investec Derby, and Betfair shortened Magna Grecia to evens (from 3) for the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh on May 25.

Aidan O’Brien’s 2,000 Guineas winners

1998 King Of Kings 7-2
2002 Rock Of Gibraltar 9-1
2005 Footstepsinthesand 13-2
2006 George Washington 6-4f
2008 Henrythenavigator 11-1
2012 Camelot 15-8f
2015 Gleneagles 4-1f
2017 Churchill 6-4f
2018 Saxon Warrior 3-1
2019 Magna Grecia 11-2

Donnacha O'Brien, successful in the race aboard Saxon Warrior last year, said: “It’s an unbelievable achievement for Dad. The horses were in great condition coming here and he’s a genius. I just need to learn as much from him as I can.

“Magna Grecia is uncomplicated so I kept it simple, followed the pace and it worked out well. He's seen it out well.”

Craven Stakes winner Skardu kept on best of the rest to finish third, with Madhmoon and Ten Sovereigns close behind.

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