LONDON, May 1: Kieren Fallon and top Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien completed a magnificent Classic double on Sunday when 12-1 chance Virginia Waters stormed to victory in the English 1,000 Guineas. On Saturday, the duo had teamed up over the Newmarket course and distance to win the 2,000 Guineas for colts with Footstepsinthesand.

Fallon, in his first season as stable jockey for O’Brien, took up the running on Virginia Waters 200 metres from home and passed the post three lengths clear of 5-1 favourite Maids Causeway, the mount of Michael Hills. Fallon, 40, said: “I don’t think I have ever travelled as well in a Classic in my life.”

Virginia Waters is owned by Michael Tabor and Sue Magnier who also have Saturday’s winner Footstepsinthesand. It was the first time since 1942 that the same owners, trainer and jockey have completed the Guineas double.—Reuters