Richard Hannon was handed a Classic one-two at the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh as Rosallion led stablemate Haatem home.
In the early May 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, the Colts finished second and third, respectively, with Charlie Appleby's Notable Speech emerging as something of an unexpected winner.
Although Sean Levey rode Rosallion, the 10-11 favourite, to the lead, Haatem appeared to be winning easily under Jamie Spencer in the last moments.
But in the last strides, the favourite made a quick turn of foot that completely transformed the outcome of the race. Rosallion won by a head, while River Tiber finished third after losing by an additional length and a quarter.
“I’m delighted, both of them have run a super race,” said Hannon. “Rosallion was a bit keen early and Haatem is such a brave horse, he’s run such a lovely race and I’ve never known a horse to have as many supporters as he has. He probably didn’t deserve to get beat but his day will come. Rosallion, I’m absolutely delighted with him, I couldn’t be happier. He took a bit of time to pick them up. He’s such a hyped horse and he’s not going to please everybody. He proved he got the trip today and that was the pleasing thing. We’ll go to the St James’s Palace Stakes and try our best to beat the horse that beat us last time. It will be hard.”
Rosallion, who is expected to face Notable Speech once more, is now a 7-4 favourite at Royal Ascot's St James's Palace after opening at 3-1 on Betfair.
Of Haatem, who is likely to step up in trip, Hannon added: “I love the second horse, he’s such a smashing horse and it’s a pleasure to have him. I’m delighted with him. Haatem has probably run the race of his life. This is a Guineas, they go on about how it’s not a vintage Guineas but all the best horses had their chance and these two have run smashing races. I think he’ll (Haatem) get further and will discuss it with the Sheikh (Abdullah Almalek Alsabah, owner) and the team and see where we go, but there are a lot of lovely days in him. I’d love to think they’ll both stay in training next year, please! There is so much work that goes into these, there is a big team at home and I’m really pleased. These days are very rare and we’re going to enjoy it. I’m delighted for Sean, for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid (Rosallion’s owner) and Sheikh Abdullah will be delighted with his horse as he lost nothing in defeat, if anything he’s probably earned more fans and his day will come.”