Irish 1000 Guineas: Homeless Songs powers to victory in thrilling finish
- James Richardson
- 22 May 2022
Homeless Songs had the legs down the home straight to give trainer Dermot Weld his fifth triumph in the Irish 1000 Guineas from race favourite
Homeless Songs ran out the winner of the Irish 1000 Guineas at the Curragh to give trainer Dermot Weld another taste of glory in the famous race.
The Moyglare Stud Farm-owned filly was an 11-2 shot at snatching Dermot Weld his fifth victory in the race with Chris Hayes as jockey.
Aidan O'Brien's 11-4 favourite Tuesday, had started strongly and she moved to the lead in the home straight.
Homeless Songs powers home to take Irish 1000 Guineas
However, Homeless Songs would move into contention after finding another gear and with the finish line in site she kicked on for a glorious finish.
Homeless Songs surged passed the post with five and a half lengths in hand, on race favourite Tuesday.
Tuesday's stable mate Concert Hall came home third.
"My only concern was whether she could carry that speed over a mile, but she relaxed beautifully for Chris and he gave her a most perfect ride," Weld said after the race.
"I said to Eva (Bucher-Haefner, of Moyglare) if she can carry that speed over a mile, she will win the Guineas.
"I'll discuss it with Eva, but the Coronation (Stakes) at Royal Ascot would now be a definite possibility. She's a great filly to have and the next day will tell us even more.
"She's not the easiest to keep right, but when you have her right she is very good."
Weld paid tribute to the late Pat Smullen on what would have been his 45th birthday.
"Pat (Smullen) won at stakes level on her dam and I thought of him today which is also his birthday.
"That is my 27th European Classic and my fifth time to win this race and every Classic is very special and difficult to win. She's a very special filly."
Having won the race in 2016 on a colt, Hayes was delighted to complete the set and win on a filly.
"There was talk that she would be better with a bend, and this and that. My only concern coming into today was would I get a clean run of things. Staying a mile and the ground made no difference as she is a special filly.
"It was nice to get the colts' one (Irish 2,000 Guineas on Awtaad in 2016), now we have the fillies' one. Any day you ride a Classic winner is a good day."
