Harzand is a Classic Epsom hero

Harzand overcame a last-minute setback  to claim the Investec Derby at Epsom (4 June).

Lost shoe

On the way to the race the colt tore off one of his racing plates and cut himself, leaving his foot sore and his participation in doubt.

After treating the injury with ice Harzand trotted up sound and – after passing veterinary inspection – the decision was made to race him.

The third-favourite travelled well and hit the front a furlong from home battling with US Army Ranger to eventually win by one and a half lengths.

First win

It was a first Derby win for both trainer Dermot Weld and jockey Pat Smullen while 13/2 shot Harzand became the fifth home-bred horse to win the great race in the colours of HH The Aga Khan.

“It is very special to win a Derby ” said Weld afterwards. “I have been very fortunate to win many Group One races around the world but this is very special.”

Hazard is by Sea The Stars who won the Derby in 2009. Despite winning the premier race for three-year-olds his trainer thinks the colt has even more to come.

“He is a good tough horse he stays well and has an excellent turn of foot. He is a lovely made horse he is well balanced and very progressive. You need many qualities to win an Epsom Derby and courage is one of them and he had plenty of that “” added Dermot.

The Investec Derby trophy was presented by Her Majesty The Queen as part of her 90th birthday celebrations.

Denied

While Ryan Moore was denied a Derby victory on 7/2 favourite US Army Ranger he did claim the fillies’ equivalent on Friday the Investec Oaks.

Minding had already claimed the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket last month before being beaten into second in the Irish Guineas and started the Oaks as the short-priced favourite. Showing remarkable toughness she overcame some trouble in running to finish one and three-quarter lengths ahead of Architecture.

Around the eight-furlong mark the Galileo-sired filly got embroiled in a barging match and was shut in on the rail dropping back to eighth. Her chances looked to be gone but Ryan Moore kept a cool head and the filly battled back to claim the race.

“There was still a long way to go so there was plenty of time to make up lost ground ” explained Moore.

“It just meant she had to work harder than she had to on the day. She’s never run a bad race. She’s very tough very honest and very straightforward. She showed real class to get herself out of trouble; she had to have pace and she’s out fought and out stayed them.”

Minding gave trainer Aidan O’Brien his sixth win in the race. She is co-owned by Michael Tabor Derrick Smith and Sue Magnier.