A victory in one of the five British and Irish Classics are coveted by trainers and jockeys alike but only a lucky few will taste victory in the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas, the Oaks, Derby and St Leger.
Re-live the highs and lows from the Classics as setanta.com reflects on some memorable performances.
| Investec Derby, Epsom, June 6th |
| 1st - Sea The Stars 11-4 |
| 2nd - Fame And Glory 9-4 FAV |
| 3rd - Masterofthehorse 16-1 |
| 13 Ran. N/R 13. Dist - 1 3/4l, nk. |
In the weeks leading up to the Investec Derby it was inconceivable to imagine an Irish-trained horse not winning and the proved unstoppable on the day with Sea The Stars becoming the first horse since Nashwan to complete the 2,000 Guineas-Derby double in superb style for Mick Kinane and John Oxx. Full Race Report
Aidan O'Brien saddled six runners in the race with Derrinstown Stud Trial winner Fame And Glory leading home his charge. However, speaking exclusively to setanta.com after the race jockey Seamie Heffernan admitted he would have ridden the horse differently if he had the opportunity to do so. Read his view
It was suggested that Sea The Stars could attempt to follow in the footsteps of Nijinsky by bidding for the Triple Crown, but John Oxx, speaking to Setanta's TheHub, was quick to dismiss the idea. Read what Oxx had to say
| Investec Oaks, Epsom, June 5th |
| 1st - Sariska 9-4 FAV |
| 2nd - Midday 5-1 |
| 3rd - High Heeled 33-1 |
| 10 Ran. Dist - 5l, 2l. |
The Investec Oaks developed into a thrilling duel between Sariska and Midday with the latter unable to get on top in the final stages of the Classic, resulting in Henry Cecil having to settle for the runners-up slot. Full Race Report
| Boylesports.com Irish 2,000 Guineas, Curragh, May 23rd |
| 1st - Mastercraftsman 6-4 FAV |
| 2nd - Rayeni 5-1 |
| 3rd - Soul City 9-1 |
|
9 Ran. Dist - 4 1/2l, 1 3/4l. |
Testing ground at the Curragh did not deter a high-class field lining up for the first Irish Classic of the season, but it proved to be Mastercraftsman's day as he destroyed his rivals and in the process ensured Aidan O'Brien his ninth successive Irish Classic. Read the full report
| Boylesports.com Irish 2,000 Guineas, Curragh, May 24th |
| 1st - Again 5-2 FAV |
| 2nd - Lahaleeb 11-2 |
| 3rd - Oh Goodness Me 16-1 |
| 16 Ran. Dist - nk, 3 1/2l. |
Winning form on testing ground proved necessary for those brave enough to line-up in the fillies' Classic at the Curragh. Again was bidding to win David Wachman his first Classic success. Johnny Murtagh left it late but she managed to get up and deny British raider Lahaleeb in the dying strides. Read the full race report
| stanjames.com 2,000 Guineas, Newmarket, May 2nd |
| 1st - Sea The Stars 8-1 |
| 2nd - Delegator 3-1 FAV |
| 3rd - Gan Amhras 15-2 |
| 15 Ran. N/R 12, 17. Dist - 1 1/2l, 3/4l. |
Sea The Stars, ridden by the vastly experienced Mick Kinane, swooped late to take the first Classic of the season, the 2,000 Guineas, for John Oxx. Delegator, sent off the 3-1 favourite, ran his race but was not good enough and had to settle for second while Jim Bolger's Gan Amhras, took third. Full Race Report
| stanjames.com 1,000 Guineas, Newmarket, May 3rd |
| 1st - Ghanaati 20-1 |
| 2nd - Cuis Ghaire 12-1 |
| 3rd - Super Sleuth 33-1 |
| 14 Ran. N/R 1. Dist - 1 1/2l, 1 1/4l. |
| Rainbow View 8-11 FAV |
Odds-on favourite Rainbow View could only finish fifth as Ghanaati won the stanjames.com 1,000 Guineas at 20-1 for Barry and Richard Hills. In a keenly contested Classic, Rainbow View never looked like scoring for John Gosden with Jimmy Fortune beaten some way out. Full Race Report
The firm ground at Newmarket was put forward as the reason why Rainbow View failed to threaten. John Gosden's view