Wings Of Eagles swoops late to take Derby glory

Classic finish: Wings Of Eagles grabs the lead late on in the Investec Derby. Picture: Racingfotos.com

Wings Of Eagles was the thrilling winner of the 238th running of the Investec Derby at Epsom.

The 40-1 chance, one of six runners in the race for Aidan O’Brien, swooped in the closing stages of the premier Classic under Padraig Beggy to collar Cliffs Of Moher, his stablemate, who had looked certain to prevail half a furlong from home after mastering Frankel colts Cracksman, the favourite, and Eminent.

Just when Cliffs Of Moher looked to have the QIPCO British Champions Series contest in the bag, Wings Of Eagles hit top gear to win by three-quarters of a length. Cracksman was another neck back in third.

Beggy, 31, was riding in the race, which carried record prize money of £1,625,000, for the first time and few racegoers had heard of him beforehand.

“I don’t get to sit on many beasts like this at the races, so I’m going to enjoy it,” he said. “A furlong down I thought if I get a run I’d win, I knew Ryan had gone, but in fairness to the big horse his best furlong is his last, which makes a big difference.

“I’d nearly given up on the big days, but Aidan O’Brien has made it happen. It’s happy days.”

O’Brien said: “I couldn’t be happier, and obviously I’m delighted with Cliffs Of Moher but he’s a bit of a baby and his next run will be something to look forward to.

“Paddy is a world-class rider, he has a great mind and is always very aware – I’m delighted for him, I can’t tell you how delighted we are to have him working with us.”

O’Brien went on: “Ryan’s horse got there and just got tired, but Padraig gave the winner a great ride. He had him in a lovely rhythm, nice and balanced.

“It’s possible the first two could go to the Irish Derby if the lads want to. I’d imagine Cliffs Of Moher is open to the most improvement, Ryan just felt the last half a furlong was a bit much today but he’s only a baby.”

Gosden said of Cracksman: “I think Frankie [Dettori] found that the horse was still a bit immature mentally about the whole thing. A couple of times, Frankie had to galvanise him, particularly at the top of the hill.

“He was running a bit babyishly – maybe he could have done with that other race beforehand – but he has run a grand race, he was just caught out for experience and wasn’t beaten far. They are obviously a solid, even bunch of colts and we’d be happy for a rematch.”

Martyn Meade, trainer of the fourth-placed horse Eminent, said: “I think he was just squeezed out in the closing stages, and he didn’t travel too well to start with – it took him a little time early on to get into his rhythm and to get into a position as they came around the top of the hill.

“He had a lot of ground to make up, and that is his beauty really, when he came into the straight he could really use his stride. He was squeezed a little at the end and he wasn’t beaten far, but he just wasn’t the best on the day today.

“I’d love to run the race again now, or at least next week!”