THERE was no such luck for O’Brien or indeed Kildare trainer Willie McCreery in the 1000 Guineas on Sunday, when 66/1 shot Billesdon Brook became the longest-priced winner in the race’s 204-year history.

Richard Hannon’s filly was ridden by Sean Levey, once an apprentice for Aidan O’Brien. Levey was born in Swaziland, to an Irish father and Swazi mother, and was reported to be the first black jockey to win a classic race. The 30-year-old was delighted to land his first win in the race.

“It means an awful lot. I’ve been riding quite a while now. I’ve always had great support, always rode loads of winners. Rode in a load of good races. I’ve just never seemed to be able to find that good one. I am glad the moment has finally come,” he said.

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Billesdon Brook might have been a shock winner but she won with authority, holding off Karl Burke’s Laurens with O’Brien’s Happily, the favourite, in third. McCreery’s Liquid Amber finished ninth.