2023 2000 Guineas Result - Delight for Dettori as Chaldean wins at Newmarket

While the rain that fell steadily throughout the day failed to dampen the excitement surrounding the 2023 2000 Guineas, it did bring a dramatic change in the going at Newmarket. Friday's card took place on good-to-firm ground, but by the time Saturday's Classic feature got underway, the going description was officially described as soft.

Auguste Rodin topped the betting throughout the build-up and carried the tag of favouritism into the stalls. Aidan O'Brien's runner drifted a little this morning - with support coming for stablemate Little Big Bear and Frankie Dettori's mount Chaldean - but a flood of money arrived for the favourite just before the off and Auguste Rodin went off at 6/4.

Despite reservations about his stamina, punters backed Noble Style into 11/1 before the off. Charyn and Dubai Mile were also fairly strong in the market, as Royal Scotsman, Silver Knott, Sakheer and Holloway Boy drifted markedly before the off.

Kevin Ryan's outsider, Hi Royal cut out the early running, alongside Charlie Johnston's Dubai Mile. Frankie Dettori found a nice prominent position aboard Chaldean, with William Buick and Silver Knott also nicely placed behind the leader.

Little Big Bear was noticeably keen in the opening stages and impeded stablemate Auguste Rodin at one point. At the half-way stage, Royal Scotsman made a positive move, along with Sakheer, who was travelling comfortably under David Egan.

Coming out of the dip, Hi Royal began to hang left under pressure, but still held a narrow lead over the field. With his path to the post now clear, Chaldean forged into the lead and Dettori punched the air as he won the 2000 Guineas with his final ride in the race.

Kevin Ryan will have been delighted with Hi Royal, who clung on to place second ahead of Royal Scotsman. Galeron claimed fourth ahead of Dubai Mile and Noble Style. Both Auguste Rodin and Little Big Bear finished tailed off at the rear of the field.