Paddington went onto even bigger things. Will the 2024 Irish 2000 Guineas (1609m) at Curragh on Saturday be as good?

2024 IRISH 2000 GUINEAS - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The Irish 2000 Guineas is a Group 1 race run under Set Weight conditions for three year old colts and fillies at the Curragh conducted by the Curragh Racecourse for Horse Racing Ireland.

The Irish 2000 Guineas is run over the mile. It was first run in 1921 and was won by Soldennis.

It is the second of the Guineas races, three weeks after the English version. They often pattern on to the St James's Palace Stakes.

The Irish 2000 Guineas is run on the round course.

Many a top stallion has this on the mantelpiece. None more so than the great Sadler's Wells from 1984.

Nine horses have done the English 2000 Guineas/Irish 2000 Guineas double - Churchill in 2017 the most recent to do so.

Leading trainer is Aidan O'Brien with an amazing 12 wins.

Most wins as a jockey are by Tommy Burns and Martin Quirke with five.

In 2021 the Futurity Trophy winner Mac Swiney beat home English 2000 Guineas winner Poetic Flare and the Criterium International winner Van Gogh.

Paddington won in 2023 and would go on to win the St James's Palace Stakes, Eclipse Stakes and Sussex Stakes.

The Irish 2000 Guineas was worth £500,000 in 2024.

Notable winners of the Irish 2000 Guineas include Paddington (2023), Native Trail (2022), Mac Swiney (2021), Siskin (2020), Churchill (2017), Gleneagles (2015), Kingman (2014), Canford Cliffs (2010), Mastercraftsman (2009), Henrythenavigator (2008), Cockney Rebel (2007), Dubawi (2005), Rock Of Gibraltar (2002), Desert King (1997), Spinning World (1996), Barathea (1993), Rodrigo De Triano (1992), Don't Forget Me (1987), Triptych (1985), Sadler's Wells (1984), Right Tack (1969), Santa Claus (1964) and Hard Ridden (1958).

The 2023 Irish 2000 Guineas was won by Paddington from Cairo and Hi Royal.