O'Donoghue secures important success for Harrington

As one door closes, another swings wide open. After going through the exit at Ballydoyle last season, Colm O'Donoghue would have known that his chances of riding Group 1 and Classic winners would be greatly reduced.

Even the second, third and sometimes fourth choices at Ballydoyle are worth salivating over, as O'Donoghue knows better than anyone else having won the 2015 Oaks on Qualify, the 2014 Irish Oaks on Bracelet, the 2011 Irish Derby on Treasure Beach and the 2007 French Guineas on Astronomer Royal, all for Aidan O'Brien.

Entering Jessica Harrington’s stable as the number-one rider, O’Donoghue would have had horses like Torcedor, Brother Bear as well as Alpha Centauri to look forward to this season, but even he could scarcely believe how well things would have gone for him so far after Alpha Centauri secured yesterday’s Irish 1,000 Guineas.