Australia’s Lambourn Not For Catching In Epsom Derby

Lambourn (3c Australia – Gossamer Wings, by Scat Daddy) became Aidan O’Brien’s third Group 1 winner in two days when making all to an impressive victory in the Epsom Derby run in memory of His Highness Aga Khan IV.

A Listed winner over a mile as a juvenile, the Coolmore homebred chased home Delacroix in the Group 3 Ballysax Stakes in March and went one better in last month’s Chester Vase. Drawn in stall 10 on Saturday, the son of dual Derby hero Australia was partnered by Wayne Lordan and boasted a clear advantage with three furlongs left to race. His rivals did their best to narrow the gap but Lambourn never looked threatened, going on to score by three and three quarter lengths, with another length back to Criterium de Saint-Cloud victor Tennessee Stud (Wootton Bassett) in third.

Speaking after the race, a delighted Wayne Lordan said: “I knew I'd gone a good gallop but his ears were pricked and I knew he had plenty left. He's a horse we always felt would stay. I just thought that anybody who would get to me would have to stay well and it would be tough for them.”

O’Brien added: “Wayne gave him an incredible ride. He's been a great fella, he's done so much hard work through all the years.

“Lambourn is very straightforward, Wayne knew he'd stay. He was obviously expecting something to come and challenge him but he's a very genuine horse. I'm delighted for Wayne, I couldn't be happier.”

Lambourn’s win comes 11 years after his sire Australia landed the Classic and 23 years after his grandsire Galileo triumphed, on which O’Brien commented: “Australia was a great Derby winner, very genuine and that’s what this horse is too. He is very straightforward, uncomplicated and committed.”

The Ballydoyle inmate is now 4/5 favourite for the Irish Derby and 3/1 favourite for the St Leger. He becomes a sixth Group 1 winner by Australia, who now has a total of 25 Group winners to his name.