NEWMARKET (England), May 3: Irish raider Refuse to Bend won the first classic of the season the English 2000 Guineas here on Saturday.

The unbeaten Sadler’s Wells colt gave two-time Melbourne Cup winning trainer Dermot Weld his second English classic success as he surged clear in the final furlong under Pat Smullen to take the race at 9/2.

Two outsiders filled the places, 33/1 shot Zafeen, trained by former England international striker Mick Channon, and Norse Dancer became only the sixth horse to reach the podium priced at 100/1 as he took third.

Tout Seul finished in fourth after having every chance but giving veteran trainer Fulke Johson Houghton reason to believe he will be visiting the Group One winners enclosure later this season as his career enters its twilight days.

Monsieur Bond belied his 100/1 tag finishing like a train after being trapped on the rails to finish sixth.

Weld, whose other English classic success came with Blue Wind in the Oaks in the early 80’s, said his charge was aptly named.

“He is a very professional racehorse with a suitable name,” he said.

“It is a special day because with the strength of Godolphin and Ballydoyle you have to take your chances when you get your hands on a class horse,” added Weld, who plans to run the winner in the English Derby and for which he is joint favourite.

Smullen described the result as “absolutely brilliant”.—AFP