Alan Munro takes Afaara to victory in the Irish 2000 Guineas

Alan Munro guided the Jeremy Noseda trained 12-1 shot to a surprise two-lengths success over the Newmarket 2000 Guineas winner.

Araafa, fourth in the Newmarket classic, fought off a late challenge from the 4-7 favourite.

Kevin Prendergast's Decado was a further length behind in third place.

A delighted Noseda said Munro got his tactics right on board Araafa.

"My horse has done it well. Whether George Washington handled the ground or not who knows? But you couldn't take anything away from my horse today," the trainer told At The Races.

"He's sat and followed the pace and then quickened up and as soon as he took it up the race was over.

"We never had any doubts about running him, I just had a hunch that he would handle the ground well and he did.

"He'll go to Royal Ascot next. He's gone on both surfaces now and we'll find out in future which suits him best."

Munro believes Araafa could even prove to be a mile and a quarter horse in time.

"He travelled well and took me there easily, the way he travelled and quickened you would have to think the ground suited him well," he said.

"He feels like a good miler but will go a mile and two furlongs in time."

George Washington's rider Kieron Fallon bemoaned the lack of early pace in the race.

"They crawled and then they sprinted and when they do that not much changes," he said.

Boylesports Irish 2000 Guineas (1M)
1. Araafa (A Munroe) 12-1
2. George Washington (K Fallon) 4-7 Fav
3. Decado (D P McDonagh) 4-1

11 ran