MICK Channon enjoyed Classic glory for the first time yesterday when Samitar sprang a surprise in the Etihad Airway Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh.

The West Ilsley trainer was in Ireland to see his charge storm up the home straight under young jockey Martin Harley, who was also experiencing his maiden Classic win.

The 12-1 chance had shown some smart form as a juvenile, but looked to have plenty on her plate, having finished down the field at Newmarket and in the French 1000 Guineas on her two starts this year.

Aidan O’Brien’s Newmarket 1000 Guineas heroine Homecoming Queen was once again sent to the front by Joseph O’Brien, but this time she weakened tamely in the straight.

Harley cut a confident figure as he loomed up on Samitar, who finished her race off well to score by a length and a half from the O’Brien-trained outsider Ishvana.

Channon said: “I’m delighted she’s found her form.

“She didn’t run badly in France, but she made the running and she should have been held up.

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

“The owner believed in me by putting Martin on and he got it spot-in – she was ridden with confidence.

“Martin’s very confident and is a very hard worker.”

Harley added: “She’s been working good and a big thanks to the boss and the staff back home.

“Two furlongs down she was never going to get beat – she was travelling like the winner all the way.

“It’s an amazing feeling.”