Spotlight on Saturday – Derby Delight For Lambourn

LAMBOURN provided trainer Aidan O'Brien with his 11th victory in the Epsom Derby when making almost all the running in the colts' showpiece under a fine ride from Wayne Lordan.

Though stablemates Delacroix and The Lion In Winter had been bigger headline-makers up to this point in their careers, it was Lambourn who sparkled as he stayed powerfully up the Epsom home straight to win the biggest Classic of them all.

Just as he had in the Chester Vase, Charlie Johnston's Lazy Griff chased him home, this time three and three-quarter lengths in arrears, while Tennessee Stud finished third to complete a satisfying outcome for the O'Brien household, with Dylan McMonagle riding for Joseph.

"Everybody knew what he was going to do, he's very straightforward. Wayne knew he'd stay so he went forward," said Aidan O'Brien afterwards.

"He's a very fit, genuine horse. He's a typical Australia so it's incredible and I'm delighted for Wayne."

Epsom Derby Analysis

Wayne Lordan got the tactics spot on. He pushed Lambourn from the gates to get the lead and controlled everything from there, with outsider Sea Scout his closest pursuer.

The softening ground meant that prominent racers with plenty of stamina were rewarded, with the 2000 Guineas winner Ruling Court an 11th-hour absentee and favourite Delacroix in trouble from early on.

Lordan, denied in the Oaks 24 hours earlier under similar tactics, had the field in trouble rounding Tattenham Corner and his partner didn't stop.

Lazy Griff was second to the winner at Chester last month and came from the pack as the sole danger, Christophe Soumillon seemingly confident he could bridge the gap, but it wasn't to be. Third home Tennessee Stud did best of the closers but the winner had matters well in hand.

What's Next?

Lambourn is now odds-on for the Irish Derby at the Curragh towards the end of this month and that race looks tailor-made for his strong, galloping style.

He wasn't stopping at the line and the St Leger at Doncaster in September is a very likely destination for the Derby winner.