Masar ends Godolphin’s long wait for Derby glory

Epsom: Appleby’s optimism justified in first Classic victory

The long wait for a first Investec Derby winner in the royal blue silks of Godolphin finally came to an end after Masar provided Sheikh Mohammed with the victory he has craved at Epsom.

Leaving a lacklustre effort on dirt behind in Meydan with an impressive triumph in the Craven, the Charlie Appleby-trained son of New Approach showed he had the potential to strike at the top table with a close-up third in the Qipco 2000 Guineas.

Despite having never raced beyond an extended mile, Masar confirmed the optimism Appleby had in him getting the trip when bursting through under William Buick approaching the twofurlong marker.

Showing no signs of stopping, Masar forged on to cross the line a length and a half clear of Dee Ex Bee, with Roaring Lion half a length back in third and oddson favourite Saxon Warrior another two and a half lengths adrift in fourth.

Appleby was winning his first Classic just 24 hours after coming close when Wild Illusion was second in the Oaks.

He said of his 16-1 scorer: “Coming in today we were confident we had the horse at the best of his ability and he looked fantastic.”

Study Of Man claimed Classic glory in the Qipco Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly yesterday.

Pascal Bary’s colt began to reel in the leaders early in the home straight under Stephane Pasquier and battled his way to the lead inside the final furlong and clung on for victory.

William Buick celebrates after Masar crossed the line to win the Derby.