Alamshar beats Derby favourite Dalakhani

Alamshar got the better of hot favourite Dalakhani to give the Aga Khan a one-two in the Budweiser Irish Derby at the Curragh today.

The John Oxx-trained colt responded gamely to Johnny Murtagh’s urgings to get the better of the French colt in a thrilling renewal of the race.

Alamshar was giving the Aga Khan his fifth success in the Classic following victories with Shergar (1981), Shahrastani (1986), Kahyasi (1988) and Sinndar (2000).

Alamshar, who overcame a late injury scare to make the line-up, was settled in sixth place as High Country, one of six Aidan O'Brien runners, set a strong pace, chased by his stable companion Handel.

Five furlongs out Handel went on followed by Dalakhani, the 4-7 favourite, with Alamshar taking closer order.

Approaching the two-furlong marker Christophe Soumillon sent the market leader to the front, but he was immediately pressed by Alamshar and after a protracted battle it was the latter who got on top close home to land the £507,931 first prize by half a length at 4-1.

O’Brien’s Roosevelt kept on for third at 150-1.