Delacroix Stakes Epsom Derby Claims With Impressive Win

Delacroix (3c Dubawi – Tepin, by Bernstein) completed a Group double for Ballydoyle, Coolmore partners and Ryan More at Leopardstown when running out an impressive winner of the Ballysax Stakes.

A Group 3 winner as a juvenile, Aidan O’Brien’s charge was narrowly denied in the Group 1 Futurity Trophy when last seen and was sent off a short-priced favourite on Sunday. The bay made all of the running and was travelling strongly as the turned for home. Running on well when pushed along a furlong out, he kept on to beat stablemate Lambourn (Australia) by two and a quarter lengths.

“You'd have to be very happy,” Aidan O’Brien said after the race. “Delacroix is babyish but he is growing up. I think he'll come back here for the Derby Trial if everything is well, and racing will only help him.

“We always thought he would stay well and he's a fine big, powerful horse. He'll improve plenty fitness wise.”

Delacroix was subsequently shortened to 10/1 for the Epsom Derby, making him third in the betting behind stablemates Twain (Wootton Bassett) and The Lion In Winter.