Anticipation was high on Sunday ahead of the Curragh hosting its first nine-race card in the modern era, with each race from the Kildare track part of World Pool.

Sharinay’s victory in the opener kicked off proceedings before Henri Matisse’s success in the G2 Railway Stakes marked him out as a Classic contender to follow in 2025.

World Pool punters were rewarded if backing Amazon Lady, as she returned a 35.00 World Pool Win dividend (v 22/1 SP), with attentions then quickly turning to the main event.

Of the nine races on offer, the centrepiece was undoubtedly the G1 Irish Derby, featuring the Derby second and third from Epsom, Ambiente Friendly and LOS ANGELES, and fittingly it was a race that produced the World Pool Moment of the Day.

The Ballydoyle battalion towed their main hope into the race, but in so doing, setting up Ambiente Friendly and Sunway with a great chance of Classic glory as well.

However, it was Los Angeles, under the imperious Ryan Moore drive, who outstayed his rivals to give Aidan O’Brien a 16th win in the race, extending his own record.

Los Angeles’ groom, Sumith Pathrannelage, was the worthy recipient of the €4,000 cheque, and beamed as he reflected on his pride and joy’s Classic victory:

“I’m so happy for him to win this race. He’s such a calm, relaxed horse at home and we’d worked hard with him to get here. To see him win makes me so happy.

“I’ve worked at Ballydoyle for 18 years, have looked after Anthony Van Dyck, Order Of St George, and now this guy. I’m just so happy and Aidan is a great, great man!”

Pathrannelage now has the chance to win a VIP trip to Hong Kong if Los Angeles’ victory is chosen as the World Pool Moment of the Year.