Blonde snaps up Derby crown

Blonde Snapper was crowned 2012 williamhill.com Derby champion at Wimbledon on Saturday night, but not before a memorable contest that saw connections of Judicial Ruling, Taylors Sky and Farloe Ironman see possible victory ripped out of their hands.

It was clear in the days leading up to Saturday’s decider that the opening exchanges were going to have a massive say in the outcome of the stg£125,000 contest and so it proved.

Defending champion Taylors Sky took a flier from trap four, but was soon joined by Ireland’s only hope Judicial Ruling.

Into the turn the pair raced side by side, but they were soon joined by Blonde Snapper, who displayed fine early dash to get into contention. With the three leaders in such proximity into the bend, something had to give.

Indeed the complexion of the race completely changed in a matter of three strides. Taylors Sky and Judicial Ruling clashed on the inside, which effectively ended their chance in an instant. Blonde Snapper also took a bump, but it didn’t halt his momentum and he swept around his two rivals to enter the back straight in the driving seat.

Now his main threat was Farloe Ironman, who after a slow start was left a close second after the opening bend scrimmaging. The race was now on. After coming in for massive support in the on-course betting market, Farloe Ironman was given huge encouragement from the stands.

Blonde Snapper was up to the test however and he dug deep to contain Farloe Ironman to the third turn.

At this point Blonde Snapper increased his lead once again before staying on well to claim a career defining victory. At the line Blonde Snapper had a length and three quarters in hand on Farloe Ironman in 28.65.

Coolavanny Bert finished three and a half lengths further back in third, while Taylors Sky was another short head back in fourth. Judicial Ruling finished at the tail of the field, but it could have been very different had he safely negotiated the opening turn.