Canford Cliffs wins the Irish 2,000 Guineas

Richard Hughes rode Canford Cliffs to victory at the Curragh

Canford Cliffs, trained by Richard Hannon and ridden by Richard Hughes, romped to victory in the Abu Dhabi Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh.

The 9-4 favourite impressively stormed clear to win by three lengths from Free Judgement and Viscount Nelson.

Hughes pressed the button less than two furlongs out to swiftly hit the front.

Canford Cliffs won the Coventry Stakes last year but was been beaten in three subsequent races, including the English Guineas in which he finished third.

The field was taken through the first half of the race by two of Aidan O'Brien's pacemakers but the race started in earnest when Oasis Dancer hit the front with two furlongs to go.

Keredari and Xtension were also in the firing line but all the while Hughes was watching the leaders as he sat motionless in the rear.

He charged through the pack and there was always looked like winning.

Johnny Murtagh tried tracking him on Steinbeck but could not pick up in the same manner and ran on to fourth.

Abu Dhabi Irish 2,000 Guineas (Curragh)
1. Canford Cliffs (R Hughes) 9-4 F
2. Free Judgement (K Manning) 25-1
3. Viscount Nelson (P Smullen) 20-1

13 ran. Dist: 3, 1½