RacingSkillz
Workforce is Investec Epsom Derby Hero
WORKFORCE stormed away with the Investec Derby at Epsom to complete a great Classic double for jockey Ryan Moore.
Ballydoyle pacemaker At First Sight built up a big lead and was 10 lengths clear as they started down the straight.
But Moore was alert to the situation and reeled in the leader at the two pole before surging clear for a seven-length victory for the Sir Michael Stoute team.
Workforce gave Stoute his fifth success in the great race.
At First Sight, sent off at 100-1, ran an incredible race to fill the runner-up spot, while Rewilding was third for Frankie Dettori.
It was a first success in the race for Moore - and the second leg of an amazing double after he secured his first Classic victory on Snow Fairy in Friday’s Oaks.
Stoute, who had registered previous Derby wins with Shergar (1981), Shahrastani (1986), Kris Kin (2003) and North Light (2004), has never made any secret of the regard in which he holds Workforce.
He arrived at Epsom on the back of just two starts, an impressive debut win at Goodwood as a juvenile and his second to Cape Blanco on the Knavesmire.
Aidan O’Brien’s Jan Vermeer was sent off the hot favourite under Johnny Murtagh but could only finish fourth.
Moore said: “He had a really clean run, I was happy where I was in the race.
“We got a dream run and he quickened really well. The ground was fast enough for him, but he’s a really good horse and I’m delighted with that.
“This is the most important race to me, it’s great to ride for the boss (Stoute) and Prince Khalid (Abdullah, owner). It’s really good day.”
Stoute said: “The Dante didn’t go as we wanted and it was unsatisfactory, but he was seriously good today.
“I’m delighted for Ryan. He’s a confident lad, but after he missed Conduit’s win in the Leger, I wanted to get the monkey (Classic win) off his back.”
Orignal article by Charl (RacingWeb)
