Johnny Murtagh won the Irish 2000 Guineas for the third time

Mastercraftsman was the runaway winner of the 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh, giving trainer Aidan O'Brien his ninth successive Irish Classic triumph.

Sent off the 6-4 favourite, Johnny Murtagh's mount stormed clear before the final furlong to win by four and a half lengths from Rayeni.

Mastercraftsman had finished fifth in the English equivalent at Newmarket.

O'Brien said it was likely the winner would now aim for the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

It was O'Brien's sixth win in the Irish 2000 Guineas and Murtagh's third.

Rayeni produced a fine effort on what was his first outing of the campaign, while Richard Hannon's Soul City ran a decent race to finish third.

However, Brian Meehan's Delegator proved disappointing, travelling strongly towards the rear of the field before failing to pick up once push came to shove and was ultimately well held.

Winning trainer O'Brien said: "Obviously all the horses have improved for their first run and since Newmarket the horses have really started coming.

"Pat (Smullen) was very happy with him at Newmarket and said he really got going a furlong and a half out.

"We have been happy with him at home since and he showed today he is a great traveller and can quicken as well."

Boylesports Irish 2,000 Guineas (Curragh)
1. Mastercraftsman (J Murtagh) 6-4
2. Rayeni (M Kinane) 5-1
3. Soul City (R Hughes) 9-1
9 ran. Dist: 4½, 1¾

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