Field of Gold claims Irish 2,000 Guineas crown to atone for British blow – after John and Thady Gosden’s prospect faltered at Newmarket
Field of Gold delivered a performance to remember at the Curragh, storming to victory in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and restoring pride to the camp of John and Thady Gosden just weeks after their disappointment at Newmarket. The three-year-old colt, owned by Lady Bamford, had entered the British Classic as one of the leading contenders but faded late to finish a lacklustre sixth in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, leaving many to question his Classic credentials. However, in Ireland, Field of Gold answered those doubts with authority.
Under a perfectly judged ride by jockey Kieran Shoemark, Field of Gold tracked the early leaders in a steadily run race before accelerating past his rivals in the final furlong to claim the Classic title. His late turn of foot left the favourite, River Templar, trailing in his wake, as the British raider crossed the line with a decisive margin. For the Gosden team, it was a moment of vindication and a significant milestone, especially for Thady, who continues to carve his own identity alongside his legendary father in their joint training venture.
The victory was all the more impressive given the depth of the field. Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien had three strong entries, including the highly rated Carravaggio’s Star, but none could match Field of Gold’s late burst of speed. The ground, officially good to firm, played into the colt’s favour, allowing him to showcase his stride and dispel any lingering concerns about his stamina or temperament.
Field of Gold’s triumph not only restored confidence but also reignited talk of a possible run in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. While the Gosdens have yet to confirm plans, bookmakers immediately shortened his odds for that Group 1 contest, anticipating that the colt could now become a dominant force in the mile division. Speaking after the race, Thady Gosden expressed both relief and pride, noting that the team always believed in the horse’s ability and that the Irish Guineas had been a key target following the Newmarket setback.
For jockey Kieran Shoemark, it was a first Classic victory and a career-defining moment. “He travelled like a dream, and when I asked him, he just took off,” Shoemark said. “We knew he had this in him. Newmarket didn’t go our way, but today he showed the real Field of Gold.”
While Field of Gold’s redemption story stole the headlines, the Irish 2,000 Guineas also served as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in flat racing. Just a fortnight earlier, critics were quick to dismiss the colt. Now, he stands as a potential superstar in the making, with his name etched into Classic history. For the Gosden camp, the Irish crown offers more than just a trophy – it’s a statement of resilience and a signal that their charge is far from finished.
