• The Derby

World bags Derby as Dawn blows out

Ryan Moore strides to Derby victory on Ruler Of The World © PA Photos

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Ruler Of The World powered to victory in the Derby, as Dawn Approach blew out spectacularly in the Epsom classic.

Ryan Moore, who was successful earlier on the card aboard Duke Of Firenze, came with a storming run inside the final two furlongs aboard Ruler Of The World to land trainer Aidan O'Brien a fourth win in the race.

While it went to plan for Ruler Of The World, it proved a nightmare scenario for Dawn Approach. The Godolphin runner came into the race protecting an unbeaten record and was bidding to follow-up his 2000 Guineas win.

But his race was run after less than a furlong. After being perfectly calm in the preliminaries, Dawn Approach was lit up in the race and rider Kevin Manning was unable to settle his charge.

Giving up the unequal struggle, Manning gave Dawn Approach his lead and he pulled himself to the front at the top of the straight. It was a brief challenge, as he faded out of contention shortly afterwards, but it drew Battle Of Marengo into a fight a long way from home.

Battle Of Marengo took up the running three furlongs from home, but he looked a sitting duck and so it proved as his stable companion Ruler Of The World powered past him. Libertarian and Galileo Rock emerged from the pack with challenges, but Ruler Of The World had enough in the tank to claim the prize.

"He was unbeaten coming here and is a great horse," trainer Aiden O'Brien said. "We are so lucky to be in the position that we are in, to get such horses and then to work with such a team of people."

Jockey Moore added: "I wanted to be a bit closer, but I just didn't get away very well and it was a very messy race. I had no option but to go on when I did. I knew he'd stay the trip very well but I got there a bit soon and he was very green. He'll get further. He's got a really likeable attitude.

"I knew the others were coming because I'd gone too early, but he really toughed it out and showed a very good attitude. I'm very lucky to be in this position and on these horses. This is the most important race for me."

St Nicholas Abbey made history by bagging the Coronation Cup for a record third time. The likes of Petite Etoile, Triptych and Warrsan had two wins to their name, but they were knocked off their perch by O'Brien's superstar who proved too good for Dunaden.

Joseph O'Brien settled St Nicholas Abbey towards the rear of the five-runner field before letting his mount stride forward upon straightening for home. Dunaden followed St Nicholas Abbey through, but the favourite had too much toe and ran out a comfortable winner.

O'Brien jnr said: "Whatever it is over the winter he's matured, he lobs down to the start on a long rein and you can put him where you like in his races. On his blow at home the other morning he was exceptional, better than he has ever been. He's a force to be reckoned with this year, I don't see why he can't be the best around over middle distances."

O'Brien snr added: "He's an incredible horse and has everything you want in a racehorse, he quickens, he travels and is a joy to be around. Everyone has done a good job with him at home and he's a privilege to be involved with.

"Joseph said he has been very fresh the last few weeks and Chamonix leads him at home, which is why he ran. It's been a while since he ran. He's a great traveller, comes down the hill well and slowly moves up the gears, it was great.

"What everyone forgets is how much speed this lad showed as a two-year-old, he had that class all the time. The lads said they might bring him back for Ascot, maybe the Hardwicke, on the way to the King George."

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