Chaparral calls the Derby tune
High Chaparral got the better of a thrilling battle with stablemate and favourite Hawk Wing to land the Vodafone Derby at Epsom today.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained pair looked to have a lot to do as long-time leader Moon Ballad and Jamie Spencer still held the call as the field turned for home.
But Johnny Murtagh, successful on Sinndar two years ago, sent High Chaparral (7-2) in relentless pursuit and the pair wore down the Godolphin runner as they entered the final three furlongs.
Michael Kinane and Hawk Wing (9-4) loomed large though as the Ballydoyle duo streaked clear but it was the greater stamina of High Chaparral that won the day by two lengths, with fully 12 lengths back to the valiant Moon Ballad (20-1) in third.
