In horse racing circles, the world is tuned in to events at the Curragh this weekend, the new world class facility hosting Classics for the first time.
And just as the Irish have so often done across the Irish Sea, the British came and the British conquered.
The main event of the day was the Irish 2000 Guineas, where Aidan O'Brien's Magna Grecia was coming up against British superstar Too Darn Hot, trained by John Gosden. For many, it was a two-horse race, but it was another British invader, Phoenix Of Spain, that set the revamped facility alight to give trainer Charlie Hills a memorable win.
In the Group Two Lanwades Stud Stakes, the British struck again, giving the renowned Frankie Dettori an opportunity to execute his famous dismount from the William Haggas-trained Beshaayir.
Phoenix of Spain (16/1) is an impressive winner of #2000guineas @curraghrace from Too Darn Hot (6/4JF) and Decrypt (20/1) #rteracing live on @rte2 right now pic.twitter.com/rRDWNda66U
— RTÉ Racing (@RTEracing) May 25, 2019
Earlier in the day, Mr Lupton romped home for Richard Fahey in the Group Two Wetherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes.
The Irish should have more success in tomorrow's main event, the Irish 1000 Guineas, though Roger Varian and Michael Bell have made the trip to Ireland with promising runners, Qabala and Pretty Pollyanna respectively.
In the Group One Tattersalls Gold Cup, all five runners are based in Ireland - an Irish winner at least.
