Jessica Harrington realised a long-held ambition as she registered her her first Classic success with Alpha Centauri in the Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh.
Harrington has enjoyed plenty of success both in the National Hunt division and the Flat sphere, but a big space on her CV reserved for one of the Classics has now been filled.
Could It Be Love held a notable advantage in the mile heat with a couple of furlongs to run before Colm O'Donoghue delivered his mount down the middle of the track to win by a length and three-quarters, with the favourite Happily only third.
"It's fantastic - I've finally got the Classic," said Harrington.
"I've been second and third and the horses have always run really well, but this is dream come true for me to win a Classic. It's almost as good as winning a Gold Cup!
"To win a race like this is absolutely fantastic. I'm just waiting for the Ascot winner now.
"This is the first time since Ascot last year that she's got good ground and that's the key to her. She likes good, quick ground.
"I'd say we'll look at Ascot, but we'll let the dust settle and see what we are doing."
