MOORE’S ON THE MEND
Ryan: We’ll learn lessons from Breeders’ failure, and return...
RYAN MOORE admits ‘lessons were learned’ from Mendelssohn’s eclipse in last weekend’s Kentucky Derby.
And he has pledged to keep trying for glory in the ‘Run for the Roses’.
The Aidan O’brien-trained colt was widely regarded as Europe’s best-ever chance of victory in the first leg of the American Triple Crown at Churchill Downs.
But, after meeting with early interference from the Todd Pletcher-saddled Magnum Moon, Mendelssohn back-pedalled in the final half-mile – in a race run in torrential rain – to cross the line last of the 20 runners.
Recalling the incident leaving the starting gates, Moore said: “The horse on the outside obviously felt his best chance of winning was to get across me and clear me.
“He wasn’t able to do that and, because he was wanting my spot, we were jostling for position for a furlong and a half.
“It took a lot out of both horses in the end – it was no coincidence that horse only beat me in the end.
“Those things, you can’t really do much about on the day – they can happen in any race on any day and we knew what we were up against. We didn’t expect any favours.
“There will be lessons learned – but sometimes things just don’t go for you.”
While Moore was in the United States, O’brien’s son Donnacha rode Ballydoyle’s Saxon Warrior to victory in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Last season’s Racing Post Trophy hero is a best-priced evens favourite for the Investec Derby on June 2.
And, with the trials for Epsom now at the halfway stage, Moore knows it will take something very special to tempt him away from the unbeaten son of Japanese superstar Deep Impact.
“Saxon Warrior is an unbeaten, dual Group 1-winning, Classic-winning three-year-old who obviously has the best form and is a hugely exciting horse,” added Moore.
The market leader steps up to a mileand-a-half at Epsom, but the 34-yearold added: “His daddy, he won over a mile and seven. He has a lot of class, and that’s the thing.”