Just The Judge has given young trainer Charlie Hills his first Classic with success in the Irish 1000 Guineas at the Curragh.
It was also a first Classic triumph for Qatar Racing, owners of 2011 Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden who returned to Australia to win last year’s Caulfield Cup.
The filly had gone agonisingly close when runner-up to Sky Lantern in the Newmarket version four weeks ago, but duly made amends in Irish soil.
Sent off the 2-1 favourite, the strong-travelling Just The Judge scored in the hands of Jamie Spencer from the fast-finishing Rehn’s Nest (40-1), with Just Pretending (14-1) third.
“This is our first proper season with Qatar Racing,” Sheikh Fahad, head of the operation, said.
“It is the first Classic for me and my brothers. I think it’s a good start.”
“If she comes out of the race well then it will be Royal Ascot next. The Coronation is the plan.”
Hills only took over the licence in August 2011 from his father Barry who won this race twice with Nicer in 1993 and Hula Angel in 1999.
Now it was his son’s turn and he was enjoying the moment.
“It feels pretty good. It’s more relief at the moment but I’m sure I’ll wake up in the middle of the night thinking it’s great,” he said.
“He (Barry Hills) will be watching on TV and I’m sure he’ll have a tear in his eye.
“They (Qatar Racing) have been fantastic over the last few years. They are great supporters of the sport worldwide. It’s great to see them get this success.
“As long as she’s OK she’ll go for the Coronation – it’s 26 days away so that’s perfect timing.”
Spence said he was thrilled to be riding for the sheikh who has invested heavily in racing over the past few years.
“I’m very pleased to be riding the horses for him,” Spencer said.
“He’s extremely enthusiastic and racing needs people like him.
“He knows all about it. He was very keen for the filly to come here. In fact he was instrumental in it – I was keen to wait for Ascot but that shows you what I know.”
