Latest news with #EpsomRacecourse
BBC News
2 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Minnie Hauk wins Oaks at Epsom in O'Brien one-two
Betfred Derby 2025Venue: Epsom Racecourse Date: Saturday, 7 June Time: 15:30 BSTCoverage: Commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live; racecards, results and report on the BBC Sport website and app Minnie Hauk beat stablemate Whirl to win the Oaks at Epsom in a one-two for Irish trainer Aidan O' Moore just edged victory on the 9-2 chance, with previously unbeaten favourite Desert Flower in was a record-extending 11th win in the fillies' Classic for Irishman O'Brien. Jan Brueghel wins Coronation Cup duel Earlier, Jan Brueghel (10-3) prevailed in a thrilling Coronation Cup battle for O'Brien and Moore after holding off the challenge of French favourite year's St Leger winner Jan Breughel was sent to the front early by Moore and looked set to be reeled in by Calandagan (8-13) under Mickael despite being joined by his rival in the closing stages, Moore's mount dug in to win by half a length."He's a very tough horse and Ryan gave him a class ride. He doesn't surrender," said O'Brien, who believes Jan Brueghel would have been "the biggest certainty ever" for the 2024 Melbourne Cup had he not been withdrawn on veterinary was a 10th Coronation Cup triumph for O'Brien, and the fourth successive time Calandagan has finished runner-up in a top-level Group One race. More to follow.
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Epsom Derby 2025: How will Dubai's horses fare at the races?
There is something almost mythical about Derby Day at Epsom Racecourse. Sprawling across acres of the Surrey countryside, the venue becomes the stage where ambitions and equine power collide in front of over 100,000 hearts thudding with the same rhythm as the horses' hooves striking the storied turf. Every year since 1780, the year the Derby was founded by Edward Smith-Stanley, the 12th Earl of Derby, save for the interruptions of war, the Epsom Derby has cast its spell on generations of racing lovers across the planet. Often described as the 'crown jewel of flat racing', the Derby consistently lives up to its legendary status. And it isn't just any race; it's a day of reckoning. Its mile-and-a-half course twists and undulates, throwing up unique challenges that test the balance, courage, and control of both horse and rider. Over the years, the thump of hooves on Downs' soil has echoed even louder in Dubai. Dubai's Derby dream From the desert gallops of Nad Al Sheba to the grassy amphitheatre of Epsom, few have pursued Derby glory with such fervour as the Rulers of Dubai and their extended family. For His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, this is not just sport — it is a calling. His blue silks of Godolphin have graced the turf at Epsom for decades, as he and his brothers — the late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Lieutenant General Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security — poured heart and treasure into their collective dream to win the Derby and win it in style. The dream first crystallised in 1989, when Nashwan blazed a trail of greatness under the masterful guidance of Willie Carson and the steady hand of trainer Dick Hern. Owned by Sheikh Hamdan, Nashwan's pathbreaking success was not just the first of many victories for the Al Maktoum family, it was a statement of intent that was reiterated in 1994 when Erhaab gifted Sheikh Hamdan a second success in the Blue Riband. These triumphs marked the beginning of an era where Emirati ambition and British tradition merged on the grandest stage of flat racing, forever altering the landscape of the Epsom Derby. UAE's growing presence Nashwan's victory was no anomaly. The growing footprint of Emirati owners at Epsom became impossible to ignore. In 1995, Lammtarra's stunning victory in the Epsom Derby was etched into racing history as a triumph of vision and innovation. Trained through the winter months in the warm, sunlit climate of Dubai, Lammtarra benefited from conditions rarely available to European racehorses at that time. This uninterrupted preparation allowed him to build strength and stamina, ready for the demanding test that Epsom Downs presents. Sheikh Mohammed's foresight in using Dubai's climate to condition Lammtarra mirrored the broader vision he held for the city in the mid-1990s — a bold dream of transformation and global prominence. Just as Dubai was evolving from a quiet desert outpost into a thriving international hub, so was Lammtarra, shaped by forward-thinking strategy and meticulous planning of the Dubai Ruler. Sheikh Hamdan's Shadwell operation has been a consistent presence, while figures like Dubai-based businessman Khalifa bin Dasmal, whose homebred Shaamit triumphed in 1996, and Saeed Suhail, whose Kris Kin prevailed in 2003, have left a mark on Derby history. In 2018, Masar's Derby win marked Godolphin's first triumph in the race, with the colt's blend of youthful energy and stamina shining through for the first time in the famous royal blue silks. Trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, Masar's victory was a defining moment for Sheikh Mohammed's global racing vision for his stable. In 2021, Godolphin's dominance at Epsom was reaffirmed when Adayar, also trained by Appleby and ridden by Buick, powered to victory. Bred within the Godolphin programme, Adayar's strength and grace in the iconic blue silks cemented the stable's status as a leading force in Derby history. The stage that stops time There's a reason why horse lovers like Sheikh Mohammed, who could chase trophies anywhere in the world, keep returning to Epsom. It's not just about prestige; it's for the sheer poetry that unfolds on this iconic racecourse. Epsom Downs is both antique and electric. On Derby Day, it becomes a carnival of contrast. Beverage-filled glasses clink in corporate boxes as families queue under red-and-white fairground rides at the Epsom Carnival. The Queen's Stand sparkles with fascinators and morning suits, while on the Hill, barbecues smoke beside hundreds of double-decker buses draped in bunting. It is very British theatre — a bit eccentric, very elegant, and at times tribal. But its allure is irresistibly infectious. This year, more than 100,000 people are expected to gather over the weekend. Celebrities, statesmen, fashion icons and racing fans will merge in the afternoon haze, drawn not only by the glamour but also by the gravity of what's at stake. The Derby is the crucible. The race every jockey, every trainer, every owner dreams of winning. There are bigger purses elsewhere, but no higher honour than that bestowed on the winners at Epsom. Long may it endure. Because the horses who win at Epsom don't just win races — they earn immortality. Shergar. Nijinsky. Galileo. Golden Horn. Mill Reef. Lammtarra. Each left indelible hoofprints on racing history. Each proved they were not merely fast or strong — they were the most deserving of victory. Which horse will join this pantheon of turf legends on June 7?
BBC News
4 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Delacroix heads runners for Derby at Epsom
Betfred Derby 2025Venue: Epsom Racecourse Date: Saturday, 7 June Time: 15:30 BSTCoverage: Commentary of the Derby on BBC Radio 5 Live, plus Friday's Coronation Cup (14:40) and Oaks (16:00). Racecards, results & reports on the BBC Sport website and app. Delacroix and Ruling Court head the runners as a field of 19 was declared for Saturday's Derby at is one of three contenders, alongside The Lion In Winter and Lambourn for Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien, who is seeking a record-extending 11th win in the only withdrawal at Wednesday's final declaration stage was the O'Brien-trained Puppet Court, for Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby, will bid to become the first 2000 Guineas victor to win the Derby since Camelot in Stakes winner Pride Of Arras is one of two entries for Ralph Beckett, who also has Stanhope Gardens, while John and Thady Gosden run York runner-up Damysus and the fifth-placed closed at the 72-hour stage for the first time this year after being brought forward a day in an effort to provide greater build-up for the race, which is for three-year-old horses Derby odds: 5-2 Delacroix, 7-2 Ruling Court, 5-1 Pride Of Arras, 6-1 The Lion In Winter, 12-1 Damysus, 14-1 Lambourn, Midak, 16-1 Stanhope Gardens, 20-1 Bar. Delacroix was installed as ante-post favourite after winning two Derby trials at Leopardstown although it is yet to be confirmed whether stable jockey Ryan Moore will could potentially choose The Lion In Winter, who was sixth when odds-on favourite in the Dante, but is expected to improve for that Buick will partner Ruling Court as the jockey and trainer Appleby seek further Classic success, having also landed the 1000 Guineas with Desert Flower, who is favourite for the Oaks on Alert, fourth in the 2000 Guineas, represents fellow Godolphin trainer Saeed bin well as Nightwalker, owners Juddmonte have added French challenger New Ground to the £1m race for a supplementary fee of £75, Francis Graffard-trained Midak has also been added to the race and he will carry the colours of the Aga Khan Studs, with the race run in honour of the Aga Khan IV, who owned legendary Derby winner Shergar and died in Johnston is double-handed with Lazy Griff and Green Storm, with Al Wasl Storm, Nightime Dancer, Rogue Impact, Sea Scout, Tennessee Stud and Tuscan Hills completing the Oaks odds (Friday 16:00 BST): 5-4 Desert Flower, 4-1 Minnie Hauk, 7 -1 Giselle, 15-2 Whirl, 9-1 Revoir, 10-1 Elwateen, 20-1 Bar.
