Curragh showstoppers: those who played their part at a terrific Guineas meeting

Brian Sheerin reflects on a momentous weekend at the Curragh when Ken Condon and Jessica Harrington broke their Classic ducks, Aidan O’Brien unleashed some high-quality Royal Ascot contenders, and Michael Halford achieved a milestone of 1,000 winners in Ireland. And there were other showstoppers to boot . . .

Pat Smullen

It would be remiss to begin other than by acknowledging how good it was to see Pat Smullen in attendance on Sunday.

The rider, 40, has partnered nine Classic winners at the Curragh, all for his boss Dermot Weld, whose firepower also helped him to nine jockeys' titles, as well as major successes abroad. But Smullen is facing his greatest battle, having been diagnosed with a pancreatic tumour.