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Workforce romps to Derby success

Workforce was in a different league to his rivals in the Derby © Getty Images

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Derby day delights

Ryan Moore completed a stunning Classic double when driving Workforce to a wide-margin success in the Derby.

Just 24 hours after scooping the Oaks aboard Snow Fairy, Moore picked up his first Derby as Workforce cut down the long-time leader At First Sight with a furlong to run before careering away for a seven-length win.

Workforce was having only his third racecourse appearance and trainer Sir Michael Stoute voiced concerns about his colt's lack of experience, but the Newmarket handler need not have worried as his charge handled the unique nature of Epsom quite superbly to score in a course-record time at odds of 6/1.

For a long way it looked as if At First Sight would cause a huge shock, as the 100/1 shot held a 10-length lead turning for home and had his rivals in trouble.

With three furlongs to run, Workforce - who was well back turning round Tattenham Corner - was the only horse going forward and once Moore asked his mount for maximum effort, he reeled in At First Sight with ease.

"We had a really clean run," Moore said. "I was happy where I was, he quickened up really well. He is a real good horse."

Stoute was celebrating his fifth Derby and was pleased to see his stable jockey secure victory in the big race.

"His Dante run was unsatisfactory and we were worried," Stoute said. "I am thrilled for Ryan. He has a great temperament, but when he missed the Leger on Conduit I wanted to get that monkey off his back."

Winning owner Prince Khalid Abdullah, welcoming in his third Derby winner, said: "I am delighted, it was very special. He is a wonderful horse and we saw that."

Frankie Dettori's mount Rewilding was well backed all day but was ill at ease coming down the hill and looked like dropping out, only to sprout wings once hitting the level ground and ran on superbly for third.

Jan Vermeer was the morning favourite, but could never land a blow in finishing a well-beaten fourth.

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