FIELD Of Gold (evens favourite) emulated his sire Kingman when gaining redemption in the Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas, following what seemed like an unlucky second in the English equivalent. “He had to come back here to win because this is his home turf,” John Gosden said after training his second winner of the race for Juddmonte, and first trained in partnership with son Thady.

Following his delayed but strong finish at Newmarket, the Gosdens announced that they would use the best jockey available, rather than previous stable jockey Kieran Shoemark, who later admitted he left it late, considering the dips of the Rowley Mile.

John Gosden praised the Curragh after Field Of Gold’s impressive victory, saying: “This is a proper track, it’s a very fair track, so we wanted to come here and prove he was a classic winner.

“I was sorry we got beaten in the English Guineas, when he finished so well, but to get on a plane and come here and see something different. They’re only three, so he will have learned a lot from this, and grow in stature and mentality. It’s probably a very good thing he came here.”

Drawn nine of nine, the even-money favourite stayed wide in midfield under new pilot Colin Keane, while Juddmonte’s third string Windlord (Andrew Balding/ Chris Hayes) set the pace. Shaken up approaching the two-furlong pole, Field Of Gold ran on to lead a furlong later and soon had a clear advantage.

The grey stayed on strongly to win by three and three quarter lengths, eased down, as the Harry Charlton-trained Cosmic Year completed a 1-2 for British trainers and Juddmonte. Group 1-winning juvenile Hotazhell made a promising seasonal return in third for Jessica Harrington and Shane Foley, while Brian Meehan’s Rashabar (Sean Levey) finished a fine fourth.

Keep it simple

Colin Keane confirmed that it was as straightforward as it seemed to onlookers. “The minute he jumped out, he relaxed straight away, so we stayed where we were,” he relayed. “When I asked him to go, he quickened very smartly. It was pretty instantaneous and he got to the line strong, so I wouldn’t rule out going up in trip in time.”

Keane is known for his relaxed demeanour, and when asked if the media attention surrounding the ride put him under pressure, he replied with a smile: “I was probably a bit less chilled out. I just want to make the most of the opportunities when they appear and I’m just glad it all worked out for us.

“When you’re lucky enough to get these spare rides when they come around, you have to deliver. Especially when it’s in these colours, that you grow up seeing on TV, so I couldn’t be happier.”

Prince Saud, who was at the Curragh to enjoy the win, is keen to try 10 furlongs, but John and Thady Gosden are convinced that the St James’s Palace is the best next step for Fields Of Gold. The son of Kingman has shortened into 9/4 favourite, from 5/4 favourite, for Royal Ascot.

When asked if Field Of Gold shared similarities with his sire Kingman, bar obvious talent, John Gosden answered: “That ability to be laidback at home, half asleep, and then, when you press the button and turn it on. It’s a great thing.

“Some Kingmans, as his father was Invincible Spirit, can be a bit flighty, but this is a very laidback horse. It might be all down to the man who reared him here at Roundhill Stud in Ireland.

“He’s right up there with his father. I think he’s as good as him right now.”