Desert Crown wins Epsom Derby

Ridden by Richard Kingscote, the Dante victor was sent off the 5-2 favourite for the 12-furlong showpiece and could be called the winner from some way out.

Sat, 04 Jun, 2022 - 17:29

Desert Crown ran out a decisive winner of the Cazoo Derby (In Memory Of Lester Piggott) at Epsom - giving trainer Sir Michael Stoute a sixth success in the premier Classic.

Ridden by Richard Kingscote, the Dante victor was sent off the 5-2 favourite for the 12-furlong showpiece and could be called the winner from some way out.

Kingscote was travelling notably well at the top of the straight and when he gave the signal, Desert Crown eased clear of the field and galloped all the way home to triumph in style.

Hoo Ya Mal, a 150-1 outsider, posted a career best in second with Westover staying on for third place.

Kingscote told ITV Racing: "You can't really (put it into words). I've had a lot of support and this gentleman here (Stoute) and this fabulous horse.

"He's obviously got a huge amount of class, he jumped great, got in a pitch, travelled great and turned in going really well. It was all lovely.

"He's got a lot of class and gave me a lot of confidence. It's all about him and Sir Michael really.

"He's a lovely horse and he's a lovely gentleman that trains him."

Westover might have been even closer with a clear passage, but trainer Ralph Beckett was delighted with his effort.

He said: "He's a cracking horse and he's run a huge race, I'm thrilled with him. I think nothing went wrong except the gap was going quicker than he was at the time.

"The obvious thing now is to go for the Irish Derby on a big, galloping track. All of us would agree that if we can't win it Sir Michael winning it gives us all great hope. I'm extremely glad to be here."