Epsom Downs Vodaphone Derby
A mellow place to purchase Epsom Downs Vodaphone Derby Tickets is this site.Running in one of the biggest field since 1996, the Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt, a son of Kris S, landed the Derby at Epsom with considerable support from the public. Starting at a morning price of 14-1, it gradually drifted right down to 6-1 shortly before the start of the race.
The inexperience Kris Kin, who had to be supplemented for the race at a cost of £90,000, was majestically ridden by Kieren Fallon, who was landing his second blue riband following Oath’s victory in 1999, while it was a third Derby, although his first since 1986, for leading British trainer Stoute. Before the race most eyes were focused on the big three from Ireland, Alamshar, the 2,000 Guineas winner, Refuse To Bend and Brian Boru. However, the first-named of the three was the only one to offer a semblance of resistance against the eventual winner.
Refuse To Bend trailed home in 13th whilst Brian Boru finished a disappointing 16th of the 20 runners. Refuse To Bend looked beaten at Tattenham Corner. Brian Boru most likely found the dried out ground on Derby day a touch quick.
Alamshar at one stage looked prominent and battled gamely, but Kris Kin and Fallon swept past him at the furlong pole and never looked in doubt to land the big race. The Great Gatsby, the closest of O’Brien’s four contenders at the finish, raced bravely throughout as did Let Me Try Again, Dutch Gold, Alberto Giacometti and even Brian Boru. Kris Kin proved strong enough to fend off The Great Gatsby, ridden by Pat Eddery, who had led from the off but faded over the last two furlongs.
Fallon’s delight was apparent and he said: “Everything went his way. He travelled real good. They went a good gallop and he was able to quicken. Trainer Michael Stoute was also jubilant: “It’s always a great thrill to win this race” and paid tribute to Fallon’s fantastic jockeyship: “He got one of the great rides around Epsom from Kieren Fallon.
Norse Dancer who looked a huge danger to all when quickening around the two furlong marker could not quite sustain his run and had to settle for fourth after having made up an amazing amount of ground. Johnny Murtagh, rider of Alamshar who came third said: "I was in between a few and he probably didn't travel as well as I thought he would. He seemed to stay on very well. There was a worry about him staying but I think all he did today was stay.
" Kris Kin's winning time was fractionally slower than that set by Galileo two years ago but barely a second outside the record set by Lammtarra. Some £20m was gambled on the race, and bookmakers were pleased none of the three market leaders won, but the support for Kris Kin left them with mixed feelings.
Meanwhile, Frankie Dettori will have to wait for another year to claim an elusive first win in the Derby.
His mount Graikos was his 11th loser in the Classic.