Eight is great for O’Brien after Derby shock
SERPENTINE sprang a 25-1 surprise as he made all for a famous victory in the Investec Derby at Epsom yesterday.
One of six runners for Aidan O’Brien – who was winning the race for an incredible eighth time – Serpentine only shed his maiden tag at the third time of asking last weekend.
He initially appeared to be filling the pacemaker role for better-fancied stable companions, including Mogul, with Khalifa Sat and fellow O’Brien contender Amhran Na Bhfiann the only ones to really try to go with him.
But Serpentine and Emmet McNamara had built up a huge advantage by Tattenham Corner, and the Galileo colt was not for stopping – galloping all the way to the line for a five-and-a-halflength verdict.
Khalifa Sat, a 50-1 shot, hung on for second, while Amhran Na Bhfiann was third at 66-1 for a tricast that paid £55,977.83.
Kameko was a fast-finisher in fourth, having been sent off the 5-2 favourite.
O’Brien said: ‘We try to give each horse the best chance of winning and ride them all accordingly. This horse (Serpentine) made the running last time and was very happy to go forward if nobody else wanted to.
‘He won a maiden very impressively and he absolutely ran through the line over a mile and a quarter at the Curragh – to do that you have to have class.
‘We all watched the race together at home and Donnacha (O’Brien, son) said after five furlongs “Emmet wins here”.
‘He was in front and there was no one going to challenge him – he was not going to stop.
‘Emmet gave him a brilliant ride and judged the pace really well.’
On setting a new record for Derby victories, he added: ‘We’re so delighted, but we’re in a privileged position to have such unbelievable horses and to work for and with such special people.
‘The horses have incredible pedigrees and everyone puts their heart and soul into it day in, day out. Everyone loves what they do and we appreciate all the opportunities that we get.
‘It’s great the racing is on and a great credit to everyone who is making it happen.’
McNamara, who was a close second in the Irish Derby last week aboard Tiger Moth, said: ‘I didn’t expect to win, but Aidan did fill me with a huge amount of confidence, so it’s not a complete surprise. Aidan told me if we got things right with the pace and everything, he is one horse that could win the Derby.
‘He instilled that into me and I actually did believe him – if he told you the sky was green you’d believe him.
‘I didn’t hear a thing all the way through the race, apart from the horse breathing, and I think that’s what makes it more surreal – the empty stands and never seeing another horse.’
McNamara will ride O’Brientrained Fort Myers in the French Derby at Chantilly today before returning to Ireland and spending 14 days in quarantine.