Hermosa and Magical shine at the Curragh

Hermosa and Ryan Moore are out on their own in the  Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas. Picture: Racingfotos.com

Hermosa and Magical were superb winners of the Group 1 prizes at the Curragh on Sunday.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained pair, both QIPCO British Champions Series winners, won their races by an aggregate of 11 lengths.

Hermosa had caused a 14/1 upset in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas at Newmarket this month but proved that was no fluke as she thumped Pretty Pollyanna by four lengths in the Irish equivalent, sponsored by Tattersalls.

O’Brien said: “The plan was changed to come here rather than go to the Oaks, and then go from here to the Prix de Diane in three weeks. I’m so delighted that we did (change plan).

“She’s a lovely mare and we felt that she progressed from Newmarket. I think she showed that today. She could go further and her sister (Hydrangea) got a mile and a half. We’ll see how she gets on in France before thinking about that.”

Hermosa is 3-1 with both Paddy Power and Betfair for the Prix de Diane at Chantilly.

Magical set herself up for a possible run in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot with a dominant display in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh.

A winner on QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot last season, she then pushed Enable all the way at the Breeders’ Cup.

She had won her first two races this season in workmanlike fashion but she looked a different proposition on this occasion, thumping stablemate Flag Of Honour by seven lengths.

O’Brien said: ” She’s a big, powerful mare that is full of quality, with great strength and a super mind. The plan made out was the three races and then see about Ascot for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.”

Meanwhile, in France, the Roger Varian-trained Zabeel Prince confirmed he will be one to keep in mind in the `Series this summer with victory in the Group 1 Prix d’Ispahan at ParisLongchamp.