Australia lives up to his Derby promise

Aidan O’Brien became the first trainer to win three consecutive Epsom Derbies when Australia won the Classic race on Saturday (7 June).

Advance Australia

The colt had been the firm favourite for the race, going off at 11/8.

Ridden by Aidan’s son Joseph O’Brien, Australia cruised into the race, always travelling the best of the field. He took the lead two furlongs out and was never going to be caught.

“He’s a very special horse with class and speed. There’s a lot of stamina inhis pedigree, but everyone saw the speed today,” said Aidan.

Well bred

By the 2001 Derby winner Galileo and out of 2004 Oaks winner Ouija Board, the chestnut had impeccable Epsom credentials and he duly delivered on his promise.

The colt had another Epsom connection – his breeder is Lord Derby, who is a descendant of the 12th Earl of Derby, after whom the race is named.

“Thereality is that most great racemares don’t go on to be greatbroodmares, although their grandchildren may do it,” said Lord Derby. “Miesque and UrbanSea broke that trend, and maybe Ouija Board is on her way to joining them.I cannot tell you how lucky and proud I feel to think we have done this.”

Coronation time

The other Group One of the day was the Investec Coronation Cup, which was held this year in commemoration of St Nicholas Abbey. The three-time winner of the race had lost his battle with colic last year after a long and brave fight.

This year the race was won by an equally prolific winner, Cirrus Des Aigles. In doing so, he became Europe’s winningmost horse in terms of prizemoney, overtaking the previous record-holder, St Nicholas Abbey.

Tall Oaks

Friday saw the running of the third Classic of the 2014 season, the Investec Oaks, in which Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum’s horses took first and second places.

Crossing the line some way in front was Taghrooda, the unbeaten second favourite, who was ridden by Paul Hanagan and trained by John Gosden.

The Dermot Weld-trained Tarfasha was nearly four lengths behind in second place.

It was a first Classic win for jockey Hanagan. “It’s a brilliant feeling,” he said. “This is what I’ve worked hard for all my life. I’m so pleased for the team – Sheikh Hamdan, John Gosden and Angus Gold [Sheikh Hamdan’s bloodstock advisor]. They have shown so much faith in me and this feels like I’ve given them something back.”