Royal Tigress finished fast to land a dramatic last-gasp victory in the Leo ardstown 1000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown today.
Alexander Duchess and Treasure The Lady vied for the early lead in the seven-furlong Listed contest, with Jamie Spencer settling Royal Tigress in fourth place on the outside.
Off the final bend Takrice made rapid headway to lead on the far rail but Spencer had got Royal Tigress in top gear and the Aidan O'Brien-trained filly flew down the centre of the track to get up on the line to score by the narrowest margin.
A trip to the Curragh is now on the cards for Royal Tigress, with the Boylesports Irish 1000 Guineas on May 23rd nominated as her main target.
O'Brien said: "She's a hardy lady and had a tough race today. She was struggling like mad on the ground (soft). Jamie said she would love fast ground and she will definitely get further.
"She will have a break now and then be trained for the Irish Guineas."
Spencer had come out on top in another close finish when he got O'Brien's Last Love home by a short head from Hamairi in the opening Foxrock Maiden.
PA