Trainer Mick Channon finally secured his first classic victory when Samitar sprang a minor surprise in the Irish 1000 Guineas at the Curragh on Sunday.

The former England international footballer began his training career in 1990 and while he has enjoyed plenty of big-race success the most sacred of racing prizes had eluded him.

Samitar, the only UK-trained runner, looked to have plenty on her plate after finishing only ninth in the French 1000 Guineas at her previous start.

Newmarket 1000 Guineas heroine Homecoming Queen was again sent to the front but this time she weakened tamely in the straight as young classic rookie Martin Harley brought Samitar home by a length and a half from the Aidan O'Brien-trained outsider Ishvana.

Channon said: "I'm delighted she's found her form. She didn't run badly in France on a bog, she made the running and she should have been held up.

"She needed some decent ground. I kept saying she's a good filly and it is hard for people to keep believing in you when things go wrong.

"She'll go for the Coronation Stakes (Royal Ascot) and was bought by the owner Martin Schwartz to go to America.

"Hopefully I'll keep her until September."

Harley has been with Channon for a year and a half after having spent four years apprenticed to Jim Bolger in Ireland.

"It was a big opportunity to be given my first ride in a classic," he said.

"The boss has given me a lot of chances and to give me a ride like this in a classic is unbelievable.

"She's been working good and I have to say a big thanks to the boss and all the staff back home.

"She travelled like the winner the whole way. What an amazing feeling."

Homecoming Queen was a shock nine-length winner at Newmarket but she could never shake off her nearest pursuers and there was no response when Joseph O'Brien asked for an effort.