Ruler of the World wins Investec Derby at Epsom
Horse trainer Aidan O’Brien secured his fourth Investec Derby with Ruler of the World, jockeyed by Ryan Moore, winning the prestigious Classic race.
Ruler of the World won the one mile, four furlong race ahead of Libertarian in second and Galileo Rock in third – with race favourite Dawn Approach finishing in last place.
In the early stages Joseph O’Brien on Battle Of Marengo set a pedestrian gallop. Dawn Approach started the race out wide and, with no cover, jockey Kevin Manning was forced to push for the lead early.
Ruler of the World, starting the race at 7-1 odds, managed to push clear – but was hotly pursued by Battle Of Marengo, Galileo Rock and Ocovango.
The gap between the leading horses was closing as Ruler of the World crossed in first. A burst of pace from Libertarian brought it into second.
‘Priviliged’
Mr O’Brien, a private trainer at the Ballydoyle Stables for John Magnier and his Coolstud associates, said: “We’re just so lucky, we get these incredibly-bred horses and even before they are mated the dream is for this to happen.
“The owners understand the game so much, they are given all the information and usually come up with a plan and we try and carry it out.
“All the jockeys had their own plan and all the horses were doing their own thing and that is just the way it ended up.
“This horse was impressive at Chester (winning the Chester Vase) and won like a very good horse.
“It’s incredible, we’re very privileged to be in the position we are.”
‘Messy race’
Moore (pictured above) said: “I wanted to be a bit closer, but I just didn’t get away very well and it was a very messy race. I had no option but to go on when I did, I knew he’d stay the trip very well but I got there a bit soon and he was very green.
“He’s improved a lot from Chester and he’ll get further. He’s got a really likeable attitude.
“I knew the others were coming because I’d gone too early, but he really toughed it out and showed a very good attitude.”
Amongst those in attendance at Epsom Downs were the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Andrew and Princess Beatrice.
The event is taking place 100 years after suffragette Emily Wilding Davison stepped in front of the king’s horse in protest, leading to injuries that led to her death.