NEWMARKET (England), May 6: Irish raider George Washington won the English 2000 Guineas on Saturday landing the first 'classic' of the European season.

The 6/4 favourite shot became the first favourite in the last 13 runnings to take the first prize and gave both trainer Aidan O'Brien and jockey Kieren Fallon their fourth victory in the race.

Fallon — who had been an injury doubt because of a sore foot — produced the three year-old colt with a devastating burst of speed to beat Sir Percy (4/1) while long-time leader and 33/1 outsider Olympian Odyssey was a gallant third.

“It is marvellous, marvellous,” said a typically understated O'Brien, who had not landed one three-year-old colt's race up to this season.

“It's a tribute to everybody involved in the stable and with the horse.”

Fallon, who along with O'Brien bids for a Guineas double with Rumplestiltskin in the 1000 Guineas on Sunday, praised his mount to the heavens.

“He proved himself today,” said the Irishman.

“He was going so easily that I had to push the button when I did and he is a great horse to ride with that acceleration he possesses.”—AFP