Dettori wins Epsom Derby

Authorized justified favouritism at Epsom to finally banish Frankie Dettori's Vodafone Derby hoodoo today.

Peter Chapple-Hyam's brilliant colt had far too much pace and class for runner-up Eagle Mountain.

Aqaleem was third, with Lucarno fourth.

Roared on by the huge crowd packing the famous Surrey Downs, Authorized emerged victorious to give Dettori a first Derby triumph in 15 attempts.

Sent off the 5-4 market leader, Authorized's success was undoubtedly one of the most popular victories in recent Derby history.

Dettori's mount had shown he was a genuine contender for top honours on his seasonal reappearance in the Dante Stakes at York and this performance was even more emphatic.

Sitting well off the early pace set by Kid Mambo, the son of Montjeu was ridden patiently in the early exchanges.

Indeed, Authorized was 10th of the 17 runners as the field approached the descent to Tattenham Corner.

Dettori's partner was travelling like a dream, however, and cruised up to fifth two furlongs from home.

A few gentle reminders from his jockey put the race to bed as Authorized skipped away to a five-length verdict from Eagle Mountain.

Aqaleem finished two and a half lengths further away.

Although most of the plaudits will go to Dettori, fulsome praise must be afforded to Chapple-Hyam, who has now won two Derbys following Dr Devious in 1992.

Having returned to the winner's enclosure with his trademark flying dismount, Dettori said: "I've been under some pressure but not as much as this.

"He has a tremendous turn of foot - he's a wonderful horse.

"I heard the whole world shouting in the last few yards - it was very emotional.

"I had to pinch myself at the line to make sure it wasn't a dream," he told BBC Sport.

Chapple-Hyam said: "He's a very good horse. I've always thought he was from day one.

"He's never let me down and has a serious turn of foot.

"He travels and you can do most things with him.

"Frankie was probably a bit further back than I wanted him to be but he (Authorized) has got so much class.

"It's not about me, it's about the horse and everyone at home - this is their day."

Authorized's joint-owner Saleh Al Homaizi added: "We just hoped for some luck and it has happened. I always wanted to win this race."

Fellow owner Imad Al Sagar reserved special praise for Dettori and said: "The dream has come true and he (Dettori) did a fine job

"Peter has also done great a job with the preparation and brought him here perfectly."

Aidan O'Brien, who saddled eight runners in the race, was delighted with the performance of the Johnny Murtagh-ridden Eagle Mountain, sent off at odds of 6-1.

The Ballydoyle handler said: "He ran a blinder and if everything's well, he'll hopefully go for the Irish Derby."

Marcus Tregoning was equally fulsome in his praise for Aqaleem.

The trainer, who won the Derby 12 months ago with Sir Percy, said: "It was absolutely brilliant.

"It was always going to be difficult from his draw and Richard (Hills) gave him a super ride.

"It was always the plan to ride him that way, although he used up a lot of speed.

"He's a horse who'll improve through the year."

John Gosden could not have been happier with the run of Lucarno, who was ridden by Steve Drowne, but admitted his charge had been defeated by a special horse.

Gosden said: "I'm delighted with him.

"It was only the fourth race of his life after all.

"He was a little bit green but the winner was exceptional."

Drowne added: "Nothing was a match for the winner but as the year goes on maybe mine might emerge second-best.

"He's picked up and gone by the pace horse and ran all the way to the line."