Racing: Racing: Henrythenavigator pipped New Approach in a thrilling finish to the stanjamesuk.com 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.
The race lived up to its billing in the 200th running of the colts' Classic as the two Irish-trained three-year-olds fought out a tremendous duel in the closing stages.
And it was Henrythenavigator (11-1) who prevailed by a short head from the 11-8 favourite to give trainer Aidan O'Brien and jockey Johnny Murtagh a brilliant start to the season. Stubbs Art (100-1) was third.
New Approach launched a gallant attempt to stretch his unbeaten record to six as he made the running, with Fireside, Plan and Dream Eater all close up.
Jim Bolger's charge took a couple of lengths out of the field when Kevin Manning kicked for home some way out.
But Murtagh, who had Henrythenavigator well positioned in midfield, made his move and brought the Kingmambo colt to throw down a strong challenge.
He took a narrow lead inside the final furlong and although New Approach rallied in the last 50 yards, he failed by a nose to get up as the post came in time for Henrythenavigator, giving O'Brien his fifth 2000 Guineas and Murtagh his second.
Murtagh, in his first season as retained rider to Coolmore, told Channel 4 Racing: "Fair play to the second - I thought I was going to beat him a neck, but he battled back.
"My fellow really answered the call in the last few strides. It keeps getting better."
O'Brien said: "He has always been a good horse. Last year we backed off with the two-year-olds mid-summer and only got going again with them late on.
"They were also running on winter ground through the summer so we gave them all time. We knew we wouldn't know the results of that until this year.
"Johnny gave him a masterful ride and he has always had plenty of speed. It was his first run of the season and he will come on for it. Johnny said he got tired in the final 50 yards.
"We might have a look at the Irish 2000."
Bolger said of New Approach: "I'm happy with him. It would have been lovely to win, but he ran a fantastic race anyway.
"Everything went very well and they are two very good horses. The Irish Guineas will be next."
Stubbs Art's trainer David Elsworth said: "I am part pleased and part disappointed. Anyone can read a form book, but he had a very good chance on what he was showing at home. That's racing."
Raven's Pass came from last to finish fourth as trainer John Gosden's concerns about his high draw proved correct.
"I didn't like the draw and we've been left exposed," said the Newmarket trainer. "He's come from last and I'm querying his stamina. The plan is the Jersey Stakes and the July Cup."