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New Paper
a day ago
- Sport
- New Paper
Lambourn prevails in Group 1 Epsom Derby
EPSOM - Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien has won a record-extending 11th Epsom Derby as Lambourn led from start to finish to score in the £1.5 million (S$2.6 million) Group 1 Epsom Derby (2,400m) at the Epsom Downs racecourse on June 7. That win completed an extraordinary two days for the six-time British champion trainer. Minnie Hauk, a daughter of Frankel, beat stablemate Whirl to take out the Group 1 Epsom Oaks (2,400m) for three-year-old fillies on June 6, while Jan Brueghel saluted in the other Group 1 race, the Coronation Cup (2,400m). It was not the first time the 55-year-old handler has achieved the Oaks/Derby double. O'Brien last achieved the feat in 2020 with Love in the Epsom Oaks, and with Serpentine, who also made all in the Epsom Derby five years ago. "It's been an incredible two days. I am delighted," said O'Brien. "This horse (Lambourn) is uncomplicated, genuine and committed. He always has been." After landing the Group 3 Chester Vase Stakes (2,500m) under Ryan Moore on May 7, the three-year-old colt of Australia stepped up to the plate at his first Group 1 attempt. With O'Brien's No. 1 jockey opting to take the reins on his stablemate and last-start Group 3 Derby Trial (2,000m) winner Delacroix, it was Delacroix's last-start winning partner Wayne Lordan who would ride Lambourn. The multiple Group 1-winning Irish jockey was not at his first association with Lambourn. He was aboard Lambourn when he scored on debut in the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Race (1,600m) at Killarney racecourse on July 18, 2024. Lordan's career was in doubt a couple of years ago after a dreadful fall from San Antonio in the 2023 Group 1 Irish Derby (2,400m). He suffered a fractured leg and elbow, and was out of action for eight months. "I had to go through a whole series of tests," he told English broadcaster ITV. "I finally got the green light, but it was rather an odd way to tell me I could ride again. "He (doctor) said you are fit enough to take another fall. I knew if I had another fall, it would be the end of my career." The Epsom Derby win was a career-defining moment in Lordan's riding career, and even if it came in front of a disappointing crowd - a smattering of spectators populating the normally packed Epsom Hill on the inside of the track - that mattered not a jot. "It's one of the greatest races," said the 43-year-old hoop. "For any jockey that wants to start out, all they ever want to do is to win the Derby. I work for Aidan, Ballydoyle and Coolmore, so I'm in a lucky position that I get to ask for a horse like this." Lordan was never challenged at his first Epsom Derby win on his ninth ride in the race considered to be the "blue riband" of flat racing. "I knew I'd gone a good gallop, his ears were pricked and I knew he had plenty left," he said. "We've always felt he stays well, so I just thought anybody that gets to me will have to stay well, and it'd be tough for them." Upon jumping from gate 10, Lordan was seen scrubbing his mount up to the front before crossing to show the way on the paint. Sea Scout (Harry Davies) sat in second on his outside while Lazy Griff (Christophe Soumillon) tracked up behind the leader in third. Once Lambourn ($51) hit the straight, he was off and gone. None of the other fancied horses, including race favourite Delacroix, landed a blow. The son of Dubawi settled in the middle of 18 initially, but as they turned for home, he was third from last. He eventually finished ninth. Moore told O'Brien after the race Delacroix had been bumped and never recovered from the impact. It was two outsiders that were closest at the finish - Lazy Griff (50-1) was 3¾ lengths away in second, while 28-1 chance Tennessee Stud, trained by O'Brien's son Joseph, finished another length behind in third. There had been hopes that the Aga Khan Stud-owned Midak would deliver a poignant win in a race named this year in honour of the late Aga Khan IV, who won the race five times. The Francis-Henri Graffard-trained colt raced in fourth for a long way, but when the moment came for jockey Mickael Barzalona to move up a gear on the French runner, he went into reverse and finished 10th. Another favourite, Ruling Court, was pulled out less than two hours before the race. It dashed hopes of him becoming the first colt - since Nijinsky in 1970 - to win the English Triple Crown. The Justify colt won the Group 1 2,000 Guineas (1,600m) - the first leg - at Newmarket on May 3. The Epsom Derby is the second leg and the Group 1 St Leger (2,900m) held at Doncaster in September, will be the final leg. "It's very disappointing," said his trainer Charlie Appleby. "Stamina was an unknown for us. We felt that what we saw in the Guineas on quick ground and the way he quickened that day, it was not going to be the ground for him today to be testing him over a mile and a half." AFP
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Wayne Lordan comes back to reap Derby reward after recovery from serious injury
However, the Lordan story does not begin and end within two days in June and when the 43-year-old was unshipped by San Antonio half a mile from home in the 2023 Irish Derby, some may have been forgiven for thinking that would be the end of his Classic dreams. Lordan suffered fractures to his legs and elbow, as well as a nasty laceration to his arm in an incident which left him not only knocked out but spending eight months on the sidelines. It is often said that loyalty is a two-way street and during his darkest days he knew he could count on Aidan O'Brien. The master of Ballydoyle was ready and waiting to repay one of his most trusted lieutenants for years of service and when the moment came, Lordan delivered a sublime ride to provide O'Brien with a record-extending 11th winner of the premier Classic. 'Racing is a tough game and lots of jockeys get injured and thankfully I had the support of Aidan and everybody at Coolmore to help me get back,' said Lordan. 'I suppose when you are coming back to ride horses like this it gives you an even stronger focus and I was lucky I had such a good job to come back to. 'I never wanted to be negative so I always told myself I would be fine even when it was tough. I tried to stay focused and got in the gym and just told myself I would soon be back.' When riding for O'Brien it is far from picking up scraps once Moore has had his say from the swelling team of Ballydoyle Classic prospects. But for a man who had finished third for O'Brien aboard Japan (2019) and subsequent Irish Derby hero Los Angeles 12 months ago, there was only one colt for him this time around, as O'Brien explained. 'I knew there were two horses Wayne wanted to ride this weekend and once Ryan knew what he was going to ride, Lambourn and Whirl were the ones Wayne wanted,' said O'Brien. With Moore and big-race favourite Delacroix only ninth and Irish champion Colin Keane and The Lion In Winter even further adrift, the stage was set for Lordan to steal the show and he had the perfect co-star for what was a spellbinding display. ADVERTISEMENT 'He was the first string for me anyway, so I was happy,' explained Lordan. 'When you're getting into racing, this is the race you want to ride in. I've run well in the Derby before and lost nothing in defeat, but I'm just glad today it worked out. 'I was happy once I passed the line, but there is always horses flying home here. I knew the ones coming to get me would have to stay well and there was always chance they would, but thankfully my horse is a tough, genuine horse.' After eight years of working for an operation created to thrive at Epsom in early June, Lordan's winning ride was one perhaps honed to perfection at Ballydoyle. Now he has his name etched forever on the long and distinguished roll of honour of the blue riband. O'Brien explained: 'Everything at Ballydoyle is about Epsom and this is how the thoroughbred breed is assessed every year. 'Everything at Ballydoyle is left-handed and every piece of work they do they practice going round our Tattenham Corner, even the sprinters. 'It's the ultimate test really and it has to be that. It's great for Wayne to win the Derby, he's a massive part of our team and he rides so many of our big horses in work. 'He's in every day and it's a privilege to have him. He's so straightforward and such a team player, but he can be ruthless when he has to be and he's strong and determined.'
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Lambourn fulfils every expectation of Derby hero Lordan
However, the Lordan story does not begin and end within two days in June and when the 43-year-old was unshipped by San Antonio half a mile from home in the 2023 Irish Derby, some may have been forgiven for thinking that would be the end of his Classic dreams. Lordan suffered fractures to his legs and elbow, as well as a nasty laceration to his arm in an incident which left him not only knocked out but spending eight months on the sidelines. Lambourn blitzes the opposition for a brilliant Derby triumph. Yet another for that genius Aidan O'Brien — Adam Morgan (@Adam_Morgs) June 7, 2025 It is often said that loyalty is a two-way street and during his darkest days he knew he could count on Aidan O'Brien. The master of Ballydoyle was ready and waiting to repay one of his most trusted lieutenants for years of service and when the moment came, Lordan delivered a sublime ride to provide O'Brien with a record-extending 11th winner of the premier Classic. 'Racing is a tough game and lots of jockeys get injured and thankfully I had the support of Aidan and everybody at Coolmore to help you get back,' said Lordan. 'I suppose when you are coming back to ride horses like this it gives you an even stronger focus and I was lucky I had such a good job to come back to. 'I never wanted to be negative so always told myself I would be fine even when it was tough. I tried to stay focused and got in the gym and just told myself I would soon be back.' Aidan O'Brien tells press conference host Martin Kelly what it means to win another Derby (Adam Morgan/PA) When riding for O'Brien it is far from picking up scraps once Moore has had his say from the swelling team of Ballydoyle Classic prospects. But for a man who had finished third for O'Brien aboard Japan (2019) and subsequent Irish Derby hero Los Angeles 12 months ago, there was only one colt for him this time around, as O'Brien explained. 'I knew there were two horses Wayne wanted to ride this weekend and once Ryan knew what he was going to ride, Lambourn and Whirl were the ones Wayne wanted,' said O'Brien. 'When I had been going round the yard in the evening the lads were telling me what was going on and I knew who he wanted which made it very easy for me to put him on. 'Wayne said to me coming out of the parade ring this horse is on fire today and that was before the race. He's given him an unbelievable ride and he's a special fellow.' Wayne Lordan with Lambourn after winning the Betfred Derby (John Walton/PA) With Moore and big-race favourite Delacroix only ninth and Irish champion Colin Keane and The Lion In Winter even further adrift, the stage was set for Lordan to steal the show and he had the perfect co-star for what was a spellbinding display in what is arguably still the biggest race of them all. 'He was the first string for me anyway, so I was happy,' explained Lordan. 'When you're getting into racing, this is the race you always want to ride in. I'm lucky that I work for Aidan and get to ride good horses and get opportunities. 'I've run well in the Derby before and lost nothing in defeat, but I'm just glad today it worked out. 'I was happy once I passed the line, but there is always horses flying home here and yesterday I was thought I was going well then Ryan passed me in the last 50 yards. 'I knew the ones coming to get me would have to stay well and there was always chance they would, but thankfully my horse is a tough, genuine horse.' Wayne Lordan and Aidan O'Brien with the Betfred Derby trophy (John Walton/PA) After eight years of working for an operation created to thrive at Epsom in early June, Lordan's winning ride was one perhaps honed to perfection at the Ballydoyle training centre of excellence. Now he has his name etched forever on the long and distinguished roll of honour of the blue riband. O'Brien explained: 'Everything at Ballydoyle is about Epsom and this is how the thoroughbred breed is assessed every year. 'Everything at Ballydoyle is left-handed and every piece of work they do they practice going round our Tattenham Corner, even the sprinters. 'It's the ultimate test really and it has to be that. It's great for Wayne to win the Derby, he's a massive part of our team and he rides so many of our big horses in work. 'He's in every day and it's a privilege to have him. He's so straightforward and such a team player, but he can be ruthless when he has to be and he's strong and determined.'
North Wales Chronicle
2 days ago
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Lambourn fulfils every expectation of Derby hero Lordan
However, the Lordan story does not begin and end within two days in June and when the 43-year-old was unshipped by San Antonio half a mile from home in the 2023 Irish Derby, some may have been forgiven for thinking that would be the end of his Classic dreams. Lordan suffered fractures to his legs and elbow, as well as a nasty laceration to his arm in an incident which left him not only knocked out but spending eight months on the sidelines. Lambourn blitzes the opposition for a brilliant Derby triumph. Yet another for that genius Aidan O'Brien — Adam Morgan (@Adam_Morgs) June 7, 2025 It is often said that loyalty is a two-way street and during his darkest days he knew he could count on Aidan O'Brien. The master of Ballydoyle was ready and waiting to repay one of his most trusted lieutenants for years of service and when the moment came, Lordan delivered a sublime ride to provide O'Brien with a record-extending 11th winner of the premier Classic. 'Racing is a tough game and lots of jockeys get injured and thankfully I had the support of Aidan and everybody at Coolmore to help you get back,' said Lordan. 'I suppose when you are coming back to ride horses like this it gives you an even stronger focus and I was lucky I had such a good job to come back to. 'I never wanted to be negative so always told myself I would be fine even when it was tough. I tried to stay focused and got in the gym and just told myself I would soon be back.' When riding for O'Brien it is far from picking up scraps once Moore has had his say from the swelling team of Ballydoyle Classic prospects. But for a man who had finished third for O'Brien aboard Japan (2019) and subsequent Irish Derby hero Los Angeles 12 months ago, there was only one colt for him this time around, as O'Brien explained. 'I knew there were two horses Wayne wanted to ride this weekend and once Ryan knew what he was going to ride, Lambourn and Whirl were the ones Wayne wanted,' said O'Brien. 'When I had been going round the yard in the evening the lads were telling me what was going on and I knew who he wanted which made it very easy for me to put him on. 'Wayne said to me coming out of the parade ring this horse is on fire today and that was before the race. He's given him an unbelievable ride and he's a special fellow.' With Moore and big-race favourite Delacroix only ninth and Irish champion Colin Keane and The Lion In Winter even further adrift, the stage was set for Lordan to steal the show and he had the perfect co-star for what was a spellbinding display in what is arguably still the biggest race of them all. 'He was the first string for me anyway, so I was happy,' explained Lordan. 'When you're getting into racing, this is the race you always want to ride in. I'm lucky that I work for Aidan and get to ride good horses and get opportunities. 'I've run well in the Derby before and lost nothing in defeat, but I'm just glad today it worked out. 'I was happy once I passed the line, but there is always horses flying home here and yesterday I was thought I was going well then Ryan passed me in the last 50 yards. 'I knew the ones coming to get me would have to stay well and there was always chance they would, but thankfully my horse is a tough, genuine horse.' After eight years of working for an operation created to thrive at Epsom in early June, Lordan's winning ride was one perhaps honed to perfection at the Ballydoyle training centre of excellence. Now he has his name etched forever on the long and distinguished roll of honour of the blue riband. O'Brien explained: 'Everything at Ballydoyle is about Epsom and this is how the thoroughbred breed is assessed every year. 'Everything at Ballydoyle is left-handed and every piece of work they do they practice going round our Tattenham Corner, even the sprinters. 'It's the ultimate test really and it has to be that. It's great for Wayne to win the Derby, he's a massive part of our team and he rides so many of our big horses in work. 'He's in every day and it's a privilege to have him. He's so straightforward and such a team player, but he can be ruthless when he has to be and he's strong and determined.'
Rhyl Journal
2 days ago
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Lambourn fulfils every expectation of Derby hero Lordan
However, the Lordan story does not begin and end within two days in June and when the 43-year-old was unshipped by San Antonio half a mile from home in the 2023 Irish Derby, some may have been forgiven for thinking that would be the end of his Classic dreams. Lordan suffered fractures to his legs and elbow, as well as a nasty laceration to his arm in an incident which left him not only knocked out but spending eight months on the sidelines. Lambourn blitzes the opposition for a brilliant Derby triumph. Yet another for that genius Aidan O'Brien — Adam Morgan (@Adam_Morgs) June 7, 2025 It is often said that loyalty is a two-way street and during his darkest days he knew he could count on Aidan O'Brien. The master of Ballydoyle was ready and waiting to repay one of his most trusted lieutenants for years of service and when the moment came, Lordan delivered a sublime ride to provide O'Brien with a record-extending 11th winner of the premier Classic. 'Racing is a tough game and lots of jockeys get injured and thankfully I had the support of Aidan and everybody at Coolmore to help you get back,' said Lordan. 'I suppose when you are coming back to ride horses like this it gives you an even stronger focus and I was lucky I had such a good job to come back to. 'I never wanted to be negative so always told myself I would be fine even when it was tough. I tried to stay focused and got in the gym and just told myself I would soon be back.' When riding for O'Brien it is far from picking up scraps once Moore has had his say from the swelling team of Ballydoyle Classic prospects. But for a man who had finished third for O'Brien aboard Japan (2019) and subsequent Irish Derby hero Los Angeles 12 months ago, there was only one colt for him this time around, as O'Brien explained. 'I knew there were two horses Wayne wanted to ride this weekend and once Ryan knew what he was going to ride, Lambourn and Whirl were the ones Wayne wanted,' said O'Brien. 'When I had been going round the yard in the evening the lads were telling me what was going on and I knew who he wanted which made it very easy for me to put him on. 'Wayne said to me coming out of the parade ring this horse is on fire today and that was before the race. He's given him an unbelievable ride and he's a special fellow.' With Moore and big-race favourite Delacroix only ninth and Irish champion Colin Keane and The Lion In Winter even further adrift, the stage was set for Lordan to steal the show and he had the perfect co-star for what was a spellbinding display in what is arguably still the biggest race of them all. 'He was the first string for me anyway, so I was happy,' explained Lordan. 'When you're getting into racing, this is the race you always want to ride in. I'm lucky that I work for Aidan and get to ride good horses and get opportunities. 'I've run well in the Derby before and lost nothing in defeat, but I'm just glad today it worked out. 'I was happy once I passed the line, but there is always horses flying home here and yesterday I was thought I was going well then Ryan passed me in the last 50 yards. 'I knew the ones coming to get me would have to stay well and there was always chance they would, but thankfully my horse is a tough, genuine horse.' After eight years of working for an operation created to thrive at Epsom in early June, Lordan's winning ride was one perhaps honed to perfection at the Ballydoyle training centre of excellence. Now he has his name etched forever on the long and distinguished roll of honour of the blue riband. O'Brien explained: 'Everything at Ballydoyle is about Epsom and this is how the thoroughbred breed is assessed every year. 'Everything at Ballydoyle is left-handed and every piece of work they do they practice going round our Tattenham Corner, even the sprinters. 'It's the ultimate test really and it has to be that. It's great for Wayne to win the Derby, he's a massive part of our team and he rides so many of our big horses in work. 'He's in every day and it's a privilege to have him. He's so straightforward and such a team player, but he can be ruthless when he has to be and he's strong and determined.'
