Tag Archive for: Derby Festival

Two Tempting refuses to be denied at Epsom

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Two Tempting was all guts in prevailing in the Trustatrader Handicap at Epsom for David Egan and Jonathan Portman.

The five-year-old was prominent early on when sticking to the inside rail, gaining momentum as the race progressed.

Sent off at 12-1, he looked to be powering home when the Hamad Al-Jehani-trained Beshtani gave chase under James Doyle, but after trading blows in the final strides it was Two Tempting who stuck his neck out to win by the narrowest of margins on the line.

Portman said: “I didn’t think he’d won, I was pretty sure we’d been chinned, but then I would have been delighted with second as I thought he’d run a blinder.

“Although this was the plan as he’d run well in this last year, expectations were less. But the jockey had him in the right place at the right time and it worked.

“I never put him in the Hunt Cup. I rang the owner up when the Hunt Cup was closing and asked him what he thought, but then I thought I wish I’d never rung him, what was I thinking! Maybe I should have put him in.

“There might be something at Goodwood.”



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Man appears in court after Derby protest

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A man has appeared in court charged with causing public nuisance after running on to the track at the Betfred Derby.

Ben Newman, 32, appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded not guilty to causing public nuisance, on Monday.

It comes after he was filmed jumping the fence and sprinting on to the course at Epsom as the race – which was won by the Aidan O’Brien-trained Auguste Rodin – began on Saturday.

He was chased by police as the crowd jeered before officers tackled him and pulled him away.

The protester was removed from the track at Epsom
The protester was removed from the track at Epsom (Mike Egerton/PA)

The protest happened after the Jockey Club, which owns Epsom, was granted an injunction banning the Animal Rising group from intervening in the event.

Newman, from Homerton High Street, Hackney, east London, was one of 31 people arrested on Saturday, including 12 on the racecourse grounds.

Newman was remanded into custody until July 6, when he is due to appear at Guildford Crown Court.

Animal Rising activists are apprehended by police officers as they attempted to invade the track at Ayr
Animal Rising activists are apprehended by police officers as they attempted to invade the track at Ayr (Jane Barlow/PA)

In a separate hearing, 19 protesters accused of trying to stop the Scottish Grand National are to stand trial in September.

It is alleged they entered the track at Ayr when a race meeting was in progress equipped with glue, piping and other implements designed to enable people to secure themselves to jumps, fences or railings on April 22 this year.

They were among 24 people from the group charged by police after disruption on the day of the race.

The 19 who appeared at court on Monday were charged with committing a breach of the peace by conducting themselves in a disorderly manner and forming part of a disorderly crowd to overcome security and enter the race track.

Protesters attempted to disrupt the Scottish Grand National
Protesters attempted to disrupt the Scottish Grand National (Jane Barlow/PA)

They also face a second charge of trespassing at Ayr racecourse and it is alleged they did “overcome security, enter the race track and attempt to prevent a horse race from taking place”.

Miranda Courtney, 38, from Leeds; Rose Paterson, 33, from London; Katrielle Chan, 21, from Glasgow; Joseph Moss, 20, from Sale; Tatum Paul, 20 from Manchester; Alexander Dunnet, 23, from London; Thomas Foy, 24, from Ripley; Osian Dixon, 25, from Machynlleth in Wales and Sarah Foy, 23, from Alfreton, appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Nathan McGovern, 24, from London; Benjamin Stevenson, 23, from London; Zuki Paul, 23, from Reading; Imogen Robertson, 22, from Stirling; Alex Hamill, 55, from Bath; Robert Houston, 44, from London; Joshua Parkinson, 27, from Leeds; Joshua Lane, 26, from Alfreton; Calum Marshall, 25, from Edinburgh, and Claire Smith, 25, from Leeds, also appeared and denied all charges against them.

Warrants were issued for four people who did not attend and another court date will be set for one who has Covid and could not appear.

Kitty’s Light won the Scottish National at Ayr
Kitty’s Light won the Scottish National at Ayr (Jane Barlow/PA)

Sheriff Shirley Foran granted bail to the 19 people who appeared at court on condition that they stay away from horse and dog racing venues north of the border.

She told them: “The special bail condition is that you will not enter or attempt to enter any horse or dog racing venue in Scotland.”

There will be further court hearings in August and their trials will start on various dates in early September.

The Scottish Grand National was not delayed on April 22 and started at 3.38pm, with Kitty’s Light taking the prize.



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The Foxes set for distance switch after Derby run

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Dante winner The Foxes will drop back in trip for his next outing, with the Coral-Eclipse potentially on the cards, after connections felt he did not see out the distance in Saturday’s Betfred Derby.

The Andrew Balding-trained colt was a good winner of the Royal Lodge in September and was touched off by Indestructible in the Craven at Newmarket on his first run as a three-year-old.

Owned by King Power Racing, the son of Churchill improved on that display at York, taking the extended 10-furlong Dante in his stride, beating subsequent Derby third White Birch by a neck.

However, things did not go to plan at Epsom, with Oisin Murphy’s mount stumbling at the start before recovering to become a threat in the straight.

Having gone briefly third over a furlong out, he tired and finished fifth, just over eight lengths behind Auguste Rodin.

King Power’s racing manager Alastair Donald said: “It was 100 per cent the case that he didn’t stay the trip. He got a little further back than ideal, but I don’t think it made a massive difference.

“He came with a good run to look like he was going to finish a nice third, and then didn’t get home in the last furlong and a half. Looking at the sectionals, it clearly shows that.

“We hoped he might stay a bit further, but he is the same as his half-brother Bangkok – it looks like he will end up being very much a 10-furlong horse.”

Connections are considering options for The Foxes, who was sent off the 7-1 fourth favourite in the 14-strong field.

“We are just weighing things up at the moment. The Eclipse is in the thinking for his next race, but we will certainly look at international options as well,” added Donald.

“But I definitely think he will be campaigned at 10 furlongs and we wouldn’t be afraid to drop him back to a mile.

“In the Craven, he travelled the strongest of any horse over a mile, so we wouldn’t be afraid to drop him back.

“We think we still have a very good horse and I think it will prove to be a pretty strong Derby.

“Sometimes you have a good first three and the rest don’t tend to do much in future, but I think quite a lot of good horses will come out of that race over various different distances.”



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Man charged over Derby race protest at Epsom

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Police have charged an animal rights activist who ran on to the track at the Betfred Derby.

A man was filmed jumping the fence and sprinting on to the course at Epsom as the race – which was won by the Aidan O’Brien-trained Auguste Rodin – began on Saturday.

He was pursued by police as the crowd jeered, with some shouting “get him”, before officers tackled him and pulled him away.

Surrey Police confirmed on Sunday that Ben Newman, 32, from Hackney, east London, had been charged with causing public nuisance.

Auguste Rodin won the Derby
Auguste Rodin won the Derby (Steven Paston for The Jockey Club)

The protest occurred after the Jockey Club, which owns the Epsom Downs course, was granted an injunction prohibiting the Animal Rising group from intervening in the event, claiming the organisation had made “explicitly clear” that it intended to breach security.

Newman is one of 31 people arrested on Saturday including 12 on the racecourse grounds.

They included two women who were arrested as they tried to climb the fence and get on to the track.

A police spokesman said: “A total of 39 arrests were made over the course of the two days. Thirty-one of these arrests were made in connection with planned criminal activity at the Epsom Derby Festival, including two women who were quickly detained moments before they were able to get on to the track.

“Thirty have since been released on bail pending further inquiries.”

Chief Superintendent Clive Davies, who was in charge of the policing operation for the Derby, added: “I am incredibly proud of every single officer, staff member and volunteer who worked in the run-up to the event and at the event itself.

“They played a vital role in protecting the public and preventing and responding to criminality.”

After the Derby, the chief executive of the Jockey Club, Nevin Truesdale, praised the “swift and decisive” action of police in putting an end to the “deplorable and mindless actions” of the protesters.

Newman, who was named by Animal Rising on Saturday, has previously appeared on GB News.

He will appear at Guildford Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

A statement from Animal Rising said: “Like most people, Ben cares deeply about animals. He made it onto the track yesterday to continue this urgent conversation about our treatment of not just horses in the racing industry, but all the intelligent, feeling animals who suffer unnecessarily in society.

“Before the race started it was clear to security and police that multiple people were attempting to get over the barriers, but organisers chose to steam ahead regardless and not only started the race, but failed to follow the British Horseracing Authority’s ‘Stop Race’ procedures with Ben on the track.

“To protect the race, an additional £150,000 was spent on security alongside a policing operation that included facial recognition cameras, two house raids, and 30 pre-emptive arrests.

“The fact anyone made it on the track goes to show that people who care deeply will not be stopped by crackdowns on protesting, and we will continue to do all we can to ensure a safe, secure future for all life.”



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Torito records notable ‘Lester Piggott’ triumph at Epsom

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Torito ran out a stylish winner of the first-ever Betfred Lester Piggott Handicap at Epsom on Saturday.

Epsom announced earlier this week the 10-furlong contest would be renamed to permanently honour one of the track’s greatest sons, and John and Thady Gosden’s colt triumphed in the manner of a smart operator.

Second to Ralph Beckett’s Derby runner Artistic Star at Sandown last time and holding an entry for the blue riband himself throughout the spring, the son of Kingman was given a fine ride by Benoit De La Sayette on his handicap bow.

Despite only hitting the front entering the final furlong, he had long looked the winner travelling smoothly in the hands of De La Sayette – who was happy to just keep the momentum going aboard the three-year-old and steering him in the right direction – with the 4-1 joint second favourite scoring by the best part of three lengths to book a possible trip to Royal Ascot.

John Gosden said: “It was nice ride and he had him in the perfect position where Lester (Piggott) would have told you to be, which is fourth or fifth with one horse inside you and only two wide to save ground so you could move where you want to. It was the perfect Piggott ride.

“They all get put in (the Derby) as yearlings so you can never read into a Derby entry as they are put in for £600 as a yearling, but look I like him and we will see if we can go to Royal Ascot. He will get bumped up a few pounds for that, but hopefully it won’t be mad.

“It was good form (he had coming into the race), but he has handled the ground well and I’m very pleased.”

Tatterstall ridden by Connor Beasley (left) wins The Aston Martin 3YO “Dash” Handicap at Epsom
Tatterstall ridden by Connor Beasley (left) wins The Aston Martin 3YO “Dash” Handicap at Epsom (Steven Paston for the Jockey Club/PA)

Earlier, 8-1 shot Tatterstall was to the fore from the moment the stalls opened when landing the Aston Martin 3YO “Dash” Handicap for Michael Dods.

The son of Bungle Inthejungle was ridden by Conor Beasley, who said: “He had good speed and we had a good draw so we put that to good use. He’s won really nicely and it’s nice to get a winner on Derby day.”

Chloe Dods, representing her father added: “We thought he had a nice chance. He hung when winning on his first run at Wolverhampton, and then at York he was only beaten about two and three-quarter lengths.

“This was the obvious race to come for, and he likes the ground. Connor (Beasley) said he got headed, but he battled back.”

Eve Johnson Houghton’s Sheer Rocks (11-2) followed up his win at Ascot to down track specialist and 9-4 favourite Caius Chorister in the Rio Ferdinand Foundation Northern Dancer Handicap, while Hollie Doyle and Ruth Carr’s Badri (10-1) combined to claim the concluding JRA Tokyo Trophy Handicap.



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O’Brien lauds his ‘most important horse’ in Auguste Rodin

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When you have won the Betfred Derby nine times, you might start to run out of superlatives. But Aidan O’Brien believes the victory of Auguste Rodin at Epsom was arguably his most important as a trainer.

Cynics may point to the fact that O’Brien is bound to say that – his job, as well as training elite thoroughbreds, is to create the next great stallion.

However, there is no disputing the fact Auguste Rodin is not a run-of-the-mill Derby winner. His sire, Deep Impact, was arguably the greatest racehorse Japan has ever seen while his dam, Rhododendron, was a three-time Group One winner and second to Enable in the Oaks, making her among the best mares produced by champion sire Galileo.

O’Brien made no secret Auguste Rodin was not an ordinary colt, and in the spring was quoted as saying if he ever had a horse capable of winning the Triple Crown, this was it. Unfortunately the dream fell at the first hurdle in the 2000 Guineas when Auguste Rodin could only finish 12th of the 14 runners.

The trainer was happy to believe that run was too bad to be true and he proved that in no uncertain terms, running down outsider King Of Steel in the closing stages, with the pair well clear.

O’Brien said: “It’s been unusual with this horse from the very start, from when John (Magnier) and everyone decided to send a maiden mare all the way to Japan to be covered.

“Then when she was scanned in foal with a colt, all the way through there’s been hype and expectation.

“In all our measurements he was hitting the top all the way, that is very difficult for any horse but he did all the way, even before he came to Ballydoyle.

“I remember Ryan (Moore) coming to Ballydoyle in February when he was two and sitting on him and he said then that he was very special, so the expectation got even higher.

“He had a lovely run first time, won his next three and was then put away for the Guineas. We always thought the Guineas would be his toughest assignment so everything needed to fall right.”

Of course it did not. On soft ground Auguste Rodin never looked happy and a collision with stablemate Little Big Bear meant he never got involved. The fact Little Big Bear was able to bounce back from his own disappointment last week at Haydock will no doubt have given the team some hope, though.

Auguste Rodin (left) just got the better of King Of Steel
Auguste Rodin (left) just got the better of King Of Steel (David Davies/PA)

“Two days before the Guineas everything started going the other way. His flight was cancelled so he had to fly the day before instead of the morning and circumstances just went against him, so we were happy to say it was a non-event,” said O’Brien

“That meant there was more pressure on him but we had to keep the faith. It was the acid test coming here today.

“We felt he was the most special horse we’ve ever had because he was out of one the best ever Galileo mares and out of the greatest ever Japanese stallion.

“I did feel some pressure because usually these days, they only go the one way and usually the more you want it to happen, the more they go the other way. We knew there were a lot of things out of our control that could go against him today, there were so many variables today especially that people were trying to control that could get out of control (the protests) – it was a worry for everyone involved.

“There was so much going on before the race but when this happens, I’m just so grateful.”

O’Brien, trainer of the likes of Galileo, Rock Of Gibraltar, Giant’s Causeway, Australia and Camelot, went on to say: “I’d say he’s the most important horse ever for us because he’s out of Rhododendron. She was one of the best Galileo mares and he’s out of the best Japanese stallion ever and we all know what is happening in Japan and we’re connecting that with the best of our breeding.

“This horse has everything. He has temperament, he has movement, he has a personality – he’s probably the most important horse we’ve ever had I’d say, because he brings the two continents together and it’s not fake ability, it’s pure ability. It’s so exciting, really.

“And how special was Rhododendron, we brought her here to the Oaks thinking she couldn’t get beat and then she ran into Enable, I mean could you believe you’d run into a horse like Enable!”

As usual in racing the question very quickly then turns to what next, but in this case it appears the Irish Derby at the Curragh appears logical.

Ryan Moore is all smiles after winning his third Derby
Ryan Moore is all smiles after winning his third Derby (David Davies/PA)

“Obviously he’ll have the Curragh option but the lads will make the decision after seven to 10 days when we see how they are, Ryan will have an input, too,” said O’Brien.

“The great thing is he came out of Newmarket brilliant, so if he comes out of this as well they should be able to make a quick decision, the Curragh would be an obvious choice but we’ll see.

“I’d say he could travel, I’d say he will love that, he’s a pure 10-12 furlong horse. The Guineas would have bene fine had things fallen for him but it might be a blessing in disguise because we might be looking at the St Leger now, he’s free of all that now. There are no shackles now, the lads can do whatever they want.”



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Navello proves fastest of all in dramatic Epsom Dash

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Navello took advantage of the perfect run up the Epsom straight to prevail in a thrilling finish to the Aston Martin “Dash” Handicap.

Trained by George Boughey, the four-year-old was a 25-1 chance for the race billed as the fastest five-furlong race in the world despite scoring at Thirsk only two starts ago.

Andrea Atzeni always had his mount travelling strongly tracking the typically strong pace set by those at the head of proceedings and the gaps opened up at the right time, allowing the Italian rider to steer his mount into the ideal spot to mount a challenge inside the final furlong.

In contrast, Clifford Lee had to bide his time aboard runner-up Silky Wilky as he saw his progress repeatedly stunted as the race developed and although flashing home to force a photo finish, it was not enough to stop Navello registering a short-head success ahead of the Middleham Park Racing-owned duo of Silky Wilky (second) and Clarendon House (third).

Boughey said: “ This has been a bit of a long-term plan. He likes fast ground and he is improving. The strong pace really does suit him, but he’s hit the line well. He doesn’t quite get six, but he gets a stiff five and you can’t get much stiffer than here.

“Andrea felt the whole way through he was the best horse, although he couldn’t see what was coming up the rail. It was a nervy last minute, but good all the same.

“There is nothing really for him at Ascot, but he could go to Goodwood – a similar fast five.”

Jockey Andrea Atzeni (third right), Trainer George Boughey (right) and winning connections celebrate after Navello won The Aston Martin “Dash” Handicap
Jockey Andrea Atzeni (third right), Trainer George Boughey (right) and winning connections celebrate after Navello won The Aston Martin “Dash” Handicap (Steven Paston for the Jockey Club/PA)

In the aftermath of the race it was discovered that stalls 16-20 had opened fractionally later than the rest of the field, which goes someway to explaining the disappointing showing from unplaced 6-1 favourite Live In The Moment, who was drawn in stall 20.

Trainer Alice Haynes was called to the stewards’ room to explain the run following the race and was left disappointed on finding out her charge’s chance had been compromised.

She said: ““Head-on we thought we had missed the break. Then I got a couple of pictures sent through to me and the stewards called me in to ask me about the disappointing run.

“It was very clear that stalls 16 to 20 broke fractionally slower, due to the gates not opening as quick. The stewards said that the horse in gate 14 (Alligator Alley) caused the gates to do that (by hitting the stall and triggering the stalls) and it didn’t gain an advantage by doing that – and that was the end of it really.

“It is frustrating for the team and everyone. It is one of the fastest five furlongs there is and we have got a natural front runner. The horse pecked jumping out. I can understand why and Kieran (O’Neill) lost an iron. These sprinters are racehorses geared up for the job – doing five furlongs in less than 54 seconds. You are meant to have the golden highway, drawn high with the best draw and we could not gain an advantage of that because the gates broke slower.

“Nothing can be done now. The race can’t be void or anything like that. In future something else should be looked into for this in support of the rest of the horses who have been caused the disadvantage.”



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‘Reckless and dangerous’ protest condemned, as Derby goes ahead as planned

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British Horseracing Authority chief executive Julie Harrington condemned the “reckless and dangerous” actions of a protester who ran on to the Epsom track after the Betfred Derby had started.

The protester broke on to the home straight in the early stages of the race, but was quickly pursued by police and security staff. Moments later a woman tried to jump the fence in front of the grandstand as police officers rushed to stop her.

Angry onlookers could be heard screaming, with one man shouting, “kick her head in”, while police threw her to the floor and handcuffed her just as the horses thundered past the finishing line.

Animal Rising had threatened to “cancel or severely delay” the Derby, but the premier Classic went ahead as planned, with Auguste Rodin securing victory for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore.

Harrington thanked the police and security teams for their speedy response, but criticised the behaviour of the protester involved.

A protestor is tackled by police and stewards
A protestor is tackled by police and stewards (Mike Egerton/PA)

A statement said: “We strongly condemn the actions of the individual who ran onto the track after the Betfred Derby had started.

“Despite Animal Rising having previously stated on multiple occasions that they would do nothing to jeopardise the safety of horses and riders, this reckless and dangerous behaviour did exactly that and I am grateful to Epsom’s security team for their swift response to ensure the race could be completed safely.

“I would like to extend my thanks to the staff at the Jockey Club and my colleagues at the BHA, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the Derby could be staged safely, and to the race’s participants who cooperated fully during what were shortened preliminaries. I also want to thank Surrey Police for their decisive actions ahead of the Derby.”

The Jockey Club was granted a High Court injunction against the activist group last week and chief executive Nevin Truesdale underlined the intention to enforce that.

He said: “Our security teams and the police acted swiftly and decisively to remove an Animal Rising protester who entered the racetrack after the Derby had started and while the race was being run.

“This reckless and illegal behaviour which threatened the safety of our equine and human athletes is a breach of the High Court injunction which the Jockey Club obtained last week and prohibits trespass. The court order provides a clear route to prosecution, fines and even the threat of prison for Contempt of Court and we will now take steps to enforce that.

“Animal Rising have repeatedly stated that they would not attempt to disrupt any races while in progress and we utterly condemn their deplorable and mindless actions today.

“The Derby was first run in 1780 and has continued despite two world wars, the Covid pandemic and a number of other extreme challenges. That the 244th running of the race was able to take place on time today is testament to the determination of everyone to stage one of British sport’s most iconic and loved events.”

A spectator is detained by police in the crowd at Epsom
A spectator is detained by police in the crowd at Epsom (Tim Goode/PA)

Police arrested 31 protesters attempting to disrupt Derby, including 12 in the grounds.

A spokesman for Surrey Police said: “We can confirm that 31 people have been arrested in connection with planned criminal activity at the Epsom Derby Festival this afternoon.

“Eleven people were arrested at addresses in Mitcham and Byfleet in the early hours, following warrants based on intelligence received ahead of the Epsom Derby Festival. A further eight people were arrested after their vehicle was stopped on Canons Lane in Burgh Heath at around 10.20am this morning.

“All were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance and remain in police custody.

“A total of 12 people have been arrested within the Epsom Downs racecourse since the event began this morning, also in connection with planned criminal activity.

“One man was arrested after he ran onto the racetrack after a race had started. He was quickly removed by event security and police officers, meaning the race was not disrupted.”

Auguste Rodin and Ryan Moore won the Derby
Auguste Rodin and Ryan Moore won the Derby (David Davies/PA)

Chief Superintendent Clive Davies said: “Our officers and event security responded quickly and decisively after a man ran on to the racetrack after a race had begun.

“We will not tolerate criminal behaviour which puts lives in danger, including those of the animals, jockeys, security staff and our officers.”

Giving his reaction, winning rider Moore said: “Andrew Cooper (clerk of the course at Epsom) and his team and the Jockey Club and the BHA (British Horseracing Authority) have been on top of it. It seems to have gone off without a hitch and I think that is a very good sign.”



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No fairytale farewell to the Derby for Frankie, but no regrets

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Frankie Dettori bade farewell to the Derby without the fairytale ending many had anticipated.

Truth be told, he half expected it. A good to firm summer surface had turned against his mount, the John and Thady Gosden-trained Arrest, who had been so impressive in taking the soft-ground Chester Vase.

Connections knew he would stay the mile and a half, which he did – just in his own time, the underfoot conditions playing to the strength of his rivals.

Epsom has never really been the luckiest of tracks for the 52-year-old Italian. He had won two Derbys – with Authorized (2007) and Golden Horn (2015) – yet this was his 29th ride on the eccentric rollercoaster of a track.

Still he held the mantle of ‘housewives’ favourite’, and Arrest was duly the 4-1 favourite on the back of Dettori’s Coronation Cup/Oaks double the previous afternoon.

Frankie Dettori with Arrest after the Derby
Frankie Dettori with Arrest after the Derby (PA)

Yet connections of the Juddmonte-owned son of Frankel knew the writing was on the wall, writ large, once they had started the descent to Tattenham Corner.

From a promising position and off a pedestrian early pace, Arrest folded, finishing 10th of the 14 runners, with the exceptional winner Auguste Rodin far away in the distance.

Dettori, who quickly gained some compensation when guiding the Ralph Beckett-trained Prosperous Voyage to victory in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes, was remarkably unemotional as he confirmed it was to be his last Derby ride and following his subsequent victory, his final ride at Epsom.

He said: “Yeah, that’s it, me and Epsom are done. The last one and we won!

“Arrest got very warm beforehand. We jumped good, we had a good slot but from the four (furlong pole) I was in trouble. He was climbing and was finding the downhill from Tattenham Corner very difficult. He took me into the straight and his legs were going everywhere. It was a combination of the left-hand track, downhill and the ground drying up. It is what it is.

“I’ve never ridden him before on this ground, but there we are.”

Frankie Dettori performs a flying dismount from Prosperous Voyage
Frankie Dettori performs a flying dismount from Prosperous Voyage (Steven Paston for The Jockey Club)

John Gosden, who had supplied both Dettori’s Group One victories on Friday, had tried to warn punters the Frankel colt would need all the luck in the world on this rattling surface.

He was far from disappointed and said: “Not this track, on that ground. The ground was too quick. He had a leg in every county and Frankie knew he was in trouble halfway down the hill.

“We will freshen him up and see where we will want to go. The track on this ground – when you have that good to firm in there, you are in trouble.

“We anticipated it when we were going home last night. Take nothing from the winner. I don’t think anything would have beaten him on any ground and the second (King Of Steel) has run a blinder.

“It was a brilliant achievement (from Aidan O’Brien) to get the winner back after Newmarket, because obviously something went wrong there.

“It is a superb achievement. He had the class to win and he had a hell of a target to get to in King Of Steel. It was some race – two proper horses.”

This was not the result the punters may have wanted, but unlike last summer’s rather tense Royal Ascot, where Dettori was given some thinly-veiled criticism by the trainer for his perceived lack of dedication, now there was nothing but praise.

Soul Sister and Frankie Dettori winning the Oaks
Soul Sister and Frankie Dettori winning the Oaks (David Davies for The Jockey Club)

“It wasn’t the fairytale for Frankie, and the great thing was he couldn’t have done a Lester (Piggott) and got on either of them, because they are both retained rides, the first and second. So, to that extent I think we are all right,” Gosden said.

“He has been brilliant. He has had a great meeting and he knew straightaway this horse was in trouble. He didn’t knock him about. They backed him down to favourite because of the Frankie factor and the bookies clipping it, and that was a bit silly, because he was never a 4-1 favourite.

“But it was a proper race. The horse sweated up beforehand, but that is his nature. We will freshen him up and see where we go. He is in at Royal Ascot. The horse will tell us over the next week or 10 days. He doesn’t need the ground like he had at Chester, but he does like to get his toe in.”

Before rushing off to Box 11, floor 4, to talk to corporate customers, Dettori had the last word.

“I’m relaxed. I’m going to enjoy it and I’m going to eat a bit of grass.”

With that, he bent down for a second time, chewed a clip of grass in the hat-box winner’s circle and continued to munch while the microphones attempted to catch his every word.

“It’s sweet,” he laughed. “I’m going to soak this in. It’s been a great weekend. Funnily enough, I’m very relaxed and I’m enjoying all of it.

“Most of the latter years, I was doing it, there was a tremendous amount of pressure – I’ve got nothing to prove now, I’m enjoying it. That’s why I’m riding so well – I’m very relaxed.”

Indeed he is. There will doubtless be many more moments on this long farewell tour to cheer this summer. And when it is finally all over and he rides off into the sunset of retirement, the housewives will have long forgiven him.



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So close but so far in the Derby for Varian and King Of Steel

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Roger Varian was left with a sense of Classic deja vu after his 66-1 outsider King Of Steel come close to becoming the first horse since since Shaamit in 1996 to win the Betfred Derby on their first start at three.

The Carlburg Stables handler had seen Kingston Hill suffer a similar fate when hunted down by Australia in 2014 and had to settle for a silver medal once again as this time it was Aidan O’Brien’s Auguste Rodin who showed his class to pass the imposing Amo Racing-owned colt in the closing stages. It was second runner-up finish for the Amo colours, too, after Mojo Star in 2021.

Varian admitted his mind flashed back to his Derby near-miss nine years ago when King Of Steel hit the front in the hands of Kevin Stott and although disappointed his charge could not hold on to give both trainer and jockey their first victory in the premier Classic, he took comfort from the fact his lofty opinion of the horse has been vindicated.

He said: “I knew he was good. I’m gutted, but that’s horse racing. Hopefully, he’ll come out of the race OK and he’s a very good horse. Credit to the winner though, who is a very good horse.

“I never thought I had it, as I’d been in the same position in 2014 with Kingston Hill, who was clear of the field but you could just see Australia coming to us. Again, I could just see Auguste Rodin coming to us. I hoped when he got to us we would find a bit more, but he ran huge – he’s a very good horse.”

The strapping son of Wootton Bassett failed to make the track prior to the blue riband having seen an intended outing in the Dante scuppered when he was withdrawn at the start, and he arrived at Epsom having had to pass a stalls test at Leicester on Monday.

“He was very well behaved at York until he got to the start, but he was just a bit fresh on the day,” continued Varian.

“I promise you could have led him across the Knavesmire in a head collar and rope. He wasn’t unruly, he was just fresh at the start and playful more than anything.

Trainer Roger Varian saw his King Of Steel finish second in the Derby
Trainer Roger Varian saw his King Of Steel finish second in the Derby (Mike Egerton/PA)

“You could only call it an unconventional route to the Derby, as we went to York without running and then we went to Leicester only on Monday for a stalls test. So he had two days out from the yard, and sometimes not having a hard race two and a half weeks out, as long as they get it out of their system and get a day away, can benefit them – look at Chaldean.

“We’ve always thought for the last 10 or 12 weeks he’s been very good, but he just wasn’t right for those early trials and so the Dante was our last chance, but he stood up in the gates and didn’t take part. Who knows, that might have made the difference. It’s ifs and buts, but he’s a very good horse – he proved that today – and I hope he comes out of it OK and we can enjoy him going forward.

“I don’t think we could have done much more, but it’s a long way to be in front. I thought Kevin gave him a fine ride, and if he hadn’t gone when he did they’d have rolled in on top of him and he might not have got a run.”

Despite Varian praising the ride given by Stott, the jockey himself was left pondering if he had hit the front too soon in his first ride in the race.

Stott said: “I think from every jockey’s perspective, you hit the front in the Derby and a few emotions and a few thoughts go through your head.

Jockey Kevin Stott finished second in the Derby aboard King Of Steel
Jockey Kevin Stott finished second in the Derby aboard King Of Steel (Mike Egerton/PA)

“I’m obviously kicking myself a little bit, thinking I might have gone a little bit too early on him, but then again he hasn’t had a run before this year and that might just have caught him out a bit in the last 50 yards.

“Listen, we were beat by a very good horse obviously, but I had faith in my horse from his home work. He’s a very nice horse and you can see from the size of him he’s absolutely huge.”

Meanwhile, connections of third-placed White Birch were delighted with his effort and will now bid to go two places better on home soil in the Irish equivalent.

George Murphy, assistant to his father, John, said: “We’re delighted with him and he stayed on really well.

“He just hesitated again at the gates and put himself into a difficult position, but it was a great run.

Connections were thrilled with White Birch
Connections were thrilled with White Birch (PA)

“I’d say it will be the Irish Derby next, Colin (Keane) gave him a great ride considering how it played out early on and he galloped all the way to the line, so all going well it’ll probably be the Irish Derby next.

“We didn’t have a lot of time after the Dante and we didn’t want to do too much, but he’s going to have to improve (around the stalls). I don’t actually think he’s too worried in them, he just gets a bit excited. We’re over the moon to have a horse like him and I can’t thank the owners enough. It’s a great day.”

Keane added: “It was a massive run. He got a bit worked up beforehand and was a bit anxious at the gate. I didn’t want to rush him up. It was a great run considering g the ground he gave away at the start. If we can work things out with him he could be a very good year for him.”

Fellow Irish runner Sprewell claimed fourth with Kate Harrington, representing her mother Jessica, also anticipating another crack at Classic honours at the Curragh next month.

She said: “I’m absolutely delighted. He didn’t get the clearest of runs down the hill and into the straight, Shane (Foley) felt that if he got him out and got him rolling a bit closer he thinks he would have been third, but he’s run a cracker.

“It was his first time contesting that ground, so he’s only going to keep on improving. Roll on the Irish Derby.”

Foley said: “It was a big run. He didn’t come down the hill as well as you’d have liked, but he stayed on galloping and I think the Curragh will suit a lot better. I just got a check when I wanted to get going.”

There was no luck for Frankie Dettori in his final Derby appearance as the John and Thady Gosden-trained 4-1 favourite Arrest failed to handle the undulations of Epsom and finished down the field in 10th.

Dettori said: “The track didn’t suit him and he didn’t like the ground. We were done at the top of the straight.

“Back on softer ground there is a good race in him.”



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Last-ditch attempt to disrupt the Derby foiled by police and security officials

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Plans to disrupt the Betfred Derby were foiled as animal rights activists were arrested attempting to run on to the course at Epsom.

Despite pledges by Animal Rising to “cancel or severely delay” the Derby, the premier Classic went ahead as planned, with Auguste Rodin securing victory for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore.

As spectators waited excitedly for the runners to appear, a man jumped the fence and rushed on to the course.

He was pursued by police as the crowd jeered, with some shouting “get him”, before being pulled away and tackled to the ground where he was handcuffed.

Shortly after, a woman tried to jump the fence in front of the grandstand as police officers rushed to stop her.

A protester is arrested at Epsom
A protester is arrested at Epsom (Mike Egerton/PA)

Angry onlookers could be heard screaming, with one man shouting, “kick her head in”, while police threw her to the floor and handcuffed her just as the horses thundered past the finish line.

It came after Surrey Police arrested 19 people earlier on Saturday based on intelligence suggesting they were “intent on illegally disrupting” the Derby.

Last week, the Jockey Club, which owns Epsom Downs, was granted the injunction against Animal Rising, claiming it had made “explicitly clear” it intended to breach security at the racecourse.

Observers described the situation as “ludicrous” and “absolute insanity” while others thanked police for putting a stop to the protests.

Giving his reaction, winning rider Moore said: “Andrew Cooper (clerk of the course at Epsom) and his team and the Jockey Club and the BHA (British Horseracing Authority) have been on top of it. It seems to have gone off without a hitch and I think that is a very good sign.”

Nevin Truesdale, chief executive of the Jockey Club, praised the prompt reactions of security staff and the police, but condemned the “reckless and illegal” behaviour of the protesters involved.

He said: “Our security teams and the police acted swiftly and decisively to remove an Animal Rising protester who entered the racetrack after the Derby had started and while the race was being run.

“This reckless and illegal behaviour which threatened the safety of our equine and human athletes is a breach of the High Court injunction which the Jockey Club obtained last week and prohibits trespass. The court order provides a clear route to prosecution, fines and even the threat of prison for Contempt of Court and we will now take steps to enforce that.

“Animal Rising have repeatedly stated that they would not attempt to disrupt any races while in progress and we utterly condemn their deplorable and mindless actions today.

“The Derby was first run in 1780 and has continued despite two world wars, the Covid pandemic and a number of other extreme challenges. That the 244th running of the race was able to take place on time today is testament to the determination of everyone to stage one of British sport’s most iconic and loved events.”



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Prosperous reigns for Dettori in Princess Elizabeth

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Frankie Dettori secured a victory on his last Derby day as he steered Prosperous Voyage to success in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes.

The 52-year-old will retire at the end of the current campaign and after suffering disappointment in his final ride in the Derby, it looked unlikely he would get on the board when Ralph Beckett’s filly exited the stalls untidily and left Dettori sat plum last.

However, the only Group One winner in the field showed her class at the business end of the race as the 6-4 favourite set about working her way into contention before knuckling down to see out the one-mile contest in game fashion.

Following on from his Group One double on Friday, it was a third victory of the weekend for Dettori on the Surrey Downs and it was fitting the victory came in the colours of Andrew Rosen, who along with co-owner Marc Chan, have been long-time supporters of the Italian.

Dettori said: “My last one! And we won. She was a bit rusty in the spring. To finish on a winner after riding here over 30 years is brilliant. I’m going to enjoy it.

“She always runs pretty forward, but she didn’t jump this time. She smacked her head in the gates and I was last. It was Plan B then. She has been making the running and perhaps she was sick of it, so she was very brave and the gaps were tight. It was a good reference point for Royal Ascot.”

Jockey Frankie Dettori performs a flying dismount from Prosperous Voyage after winning The Princess Elizabeth Stakes
Jockey Frankie Dettori performs a flying dismount from Prosperous Voyage after winning The Princess Elizabeth Stakes (David Davies for the Jockey Club/PA)

Beckett added: “I’ve always felt she was much better on a straight track and always had a bit of hankering after going a bit further, her pedigree offered strong suggestions she would get a mile and a quarter.

“She has won a Group race this year and it has been a while since she’s won, so that’s good.

“I don’t think a Breeders’ Cup Mile is really her gig. If I was going to go there, it would be to run her in the Distaff.”

Trainer Ralph Beckett could look to Royal Ascot with Epsom winner Prosperous Voyage
Trainer Ralph Beckett could look to Royal Ascot with Epsom winner Prosperous Voyage (Mike Egerton/PA)

He went on: “This will set her up nicely for the Duke of Cambridge at Royal Ascot. This is her first win for a while, so that’s great.

“She was always going to stay in training but there was no one big target. That was a good effort today. I think first time out she was just a bit lacklustre, and it was soft ground and nine furlongs. She needed it too, and she probably still needed it today. She’s a bit more matronly this year.”



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Auguste Rodin powers to Derby glory for Aidan O’Brien

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Auguste Rodin showed his class at Epsom with an exceptional display to run down King Of Steel and provide Aidan O’Brien with a record-extending ninth victory in the Betfred Derby.

Described by the Ballydoyle handler as a “collector’s item” prior to the premier Classic, the son of Deep Impact had a point to prove having been bitterly disappointing when favourite for the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

Despite that he was still popular with backers ahead of the blue riband and having been sent off at 9-2 in the hands of Ryan Moore he set about tackling the undulations of the Surrey Downs from stall 10.

Settled in mid-division as stablemates San Antonio and Adelaide River dictated terms up front, with Frankie Dettori in his final Derby aboard Arrest and Sir Michael Stoute’s Passenger also close by, Moore was content to let the action unfold as Kevin Stott aboard the 66-1 outsider King Of Steel made an audacious bid for home after rounding Tattenham Corner.

However, Roger Varian’s imposing runner soon had a target on his back and with Auguste Rodin eating into King Of Steel’s advantage with every stride, the highly-regarded colt was soon powering his way to pass that rival to give Moore his third Derby victory.

Ryan Moore celebrates winning the Derby with Auguste Rodin
Ryan Moore celebrates winning the Derby with Auguste Rodin (Victoria Jones/PA)

O’Brien said: “All the people in Coolmore have made this happen – this is a total homebred horse. It’s all credit to them to make this happen every day. He came with a massive reputation as a beautiful horse but he kept stepping up to all the markers all the way, which is very unusual.

“He’s totally unique – he’s out of one of the greatest Galileo mares (Rhododendron) by the greatest stallion ever in Japan. I can’t tell you, he’s totally unique.

“Ryan said it probably didn’t suit him, he would have preferred a lot stronger pace but he said he had to quicken twice, so obviously he’s so exciting for us.

“I feel so grateful and so delighted for all the lads, everyone. It’s a great pleasure for us to have anything to do with him really.”

Reflecting on Auguste Rodin’s Newmarket reverse, O’Brien said: “It was one of those days. Kind of from a few days before, it all started to go wrong.

“As we all know, it’s a funny game, it has to go round and everyone has to get their day. Sometimes you control the things you can control, but the variables that you can’t control all start falling against you and you can’t stop that.

“From a couple of days before, we had the flight booked on the morning and then it all started going wrong then. Every step of the way, everything just fell against him.

“The lads had the plan for him that he would do the three races (Triple Crown) and we knew the first one would be the toughest one because to do that everything had to fall right for him and everything went totally wrong.

“He came out of the race great, that was the massive thing. Every day, riding him work, he was just getting better and more and more confident.”

Ryan Moore and Auguste Rodin
Ryan Moore and Auguste Rodin (Victoria Jones/PA)

O’Brien continued: “Ryan was so cool, he knew the pressure was on and gave him a peach of a ride.

“In February, Ryan rode him in work and said he was very special, as a two-year-old, so you can imagine what he was like then. His movement was so spectacular and sometimes horses lose that but he never changed the whole way. He’s the most unbelievable economical way of going, his action, temperament and breathing but his movement is just incredible.”

Plans for Auguste Rodin will have to be discussed, but the Irish Derby or King George at Ascot could be on the radar.

O’Brien said: “I’m not sure, but obviously these type of horses come here and if they’re good enough we often have a look at the Irish Derby, but the lads make all those decisions. We’ll see how he is, tell the lads and they’ll talk about it, talk to Ryan and then we’ll make a decision.

“I don’t think he had too tough a race as it wasn’t a strong early pace. All those options are open to him.”

Moore said: “We had a smooth run. We landed in a smooth spot, I had William (Buick, on Military Order) and Frankie (Dettori, on Arrest) ahead of me and was always confident I had them covered.

“We didn’t go that quick, it turned in to a bit of a dash, but I was getting a nice smooth run. He was a bit babyish, I always thought I had the race won, but I just had to get into him in the last furlong there and he responded very gamely. He’s done that quite cosily, I think.”

On the training performance of O’Brien to get Auguste Rodin back to his best, he said: “He’s the only man that could do it. I’ve seen him get horses back. There’s been horses that have run bad in the Guineas and have come back. Roderic O’Connor springs to mind and a few others, even Qualify ran bad in a Guineas and came and won an Oaks. Aidan can just do things.

“This horse has a great pedigree, he’s always shown he’s a good horse. As Aidan says, everyone does such a good job at home and everything went smooth today.”



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Regal Reality sparkles in Diomed Stakes for Stoute and Moore

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Regal Reality swooped late in the hands of Ryan Moore to claim the Betfred Diomed Stakes at Epsom.

Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, the eight-year-old was barely in the equation in the early stages as Marie’s Diamond set a brisk pace.

And he still had the majority of the field ahead of him, with Charlie Appleby’s 2-1 favourite Highland Avenue travelling powerfully around Tattenham Corner and surging to the lead.

It was Roger Varian’s Kolsai who first took aim at Highland Avenue and laid down a stern challenge, but all the while Moore was coaxing Regal Reality into a position to strike and having joined the three-way tussle for the lead inside the final furlong, he ran on strongly to win by three-quarters of a length at odds of 5-1.

The winner is owned by Peter Done, brother of Betfred boss Fred Done.

Stoute said: “He’s a grand old horse. He wins one of these nice races every year, let’s hope he can win at least two this year.

“We’ve no plans, we’ll just have to ask him where he wants to go.

“We try to keep him happy at home as he’s very strong-minded.”

Appleby said of the runner-up: “He’s run another solid race – that’s what he’s like, bless him. Trip-wise we have come down in trip. Will (Buick) said he is always one of those sort of horses who will be bang there in all these top races, but he will appreciate 10 furlongs.

“We came back (in trip) today obviously thinking we might get away with it, but 10 furlongs is probably his optimum trip, and we will find something for him.

“Ryan’s horse is a decent horse on his day and he’s come over top of all of us.

“It looks like he has had an easier day here that he had galloping this morning! He has got an engine. When he won the Fielden, we were getting a bit excited about him at one stage, but there we are.”

As for future plans, Appleby could eye something overseas. He hinted: “He might be a traveller, but we will see.”



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Nineteen arrested ahead of Derby day

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Nineteen activists have been arrested ahead of plans to disrupt the Epsom Derby on Saturday, police said.

The group Animal Rising accused Surrey Police of “abusing” their powers after 19 people were arrested on Saturday morning based on intelligence received by officers.

A spokesman for the force said 11 people were arrested at addresses in Mitcham and Byfleet in the early hours and a further eight people were arrested after their vehicle was stopped on Canons Lane in Burgh Heath at around 10.20am.

It comes after activist group vowed to “cancel or severely delay” the race – despite a High Court injunction banning them from doing so.

Protesters at Epsom on Saturday morning
Protesters at Epsom on Saturday morning (Mike Egerton/PA)

Last week, the Jockey Club, which owns Epsom Downs, was granted the injunction against the group, claiming it had made “explicitly clear” it intended to breach security at the Surrey racecourse.

And on Friday, Surrey Police warned they “will not tolerate” risks to public safety after an Animal Rising member told Sky News she would do “what’s necessary”, including breaking the law, to protect the animals.

There was disruption at the Grand National at Aintree in April when the race was delayed by just over 10 minutes after demonstrators made their way on to the track and had to be removed by police.

In a defiant announcement following the arrests, Animal Rising said police would not stop them from disrupting the Derby.

Protesters outside the racecourse
Protesters outside the racecourse (Victoria Jones/PA)

They said: “Earlier this morning, at least 10 arrests were made by Surrey Police, allegedly in connection with the Epsom Derby.

“This comes after reports of facial recognition camera around Epsom Downs Racecourse.

“Police heavy-handedness and intimidation tactics will not prevent a national conversation about our animals and the natural world.

“It restates its commitment to protect horses and disrupt the Derby.”

Superintendent Michael Hodder of Surrey Police said: “We have been clear in our approach that criminal activity will not be tolerated at the Epsom Derby Festival.

“As a result of intelligence, we have arrested 19 people who we believe were intent on illegally disrupting today’s events.

“Our officers will be at the event throughout the day to continue in keeping the public safe and preventing criminality.”

Protesters caused the Grand National to be delayed in April
Protesters caused the Grand National to be delayed in April (Tim Goode/PA)

Jockey Club officials fear the protest will endanger participants, racegoers and horses, although they said they do not dismiss the right to peaceful protest and have offered Animal Rising an area near the racecourse’s entrance to demonstrate.

The injunction granted by High Court judge Sir Anthony Mann bans people from going on to the racetrack and carrying out other acts with the intention and/or effect of disrupting the races.

Those breaching the court order may be subject to contempt of court proceedings and fined or jailed.

Surrey Police have been approached for comment.



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