June 7 (UPI) -- While American racing attention was riveted to Saratoga during the Belmont Festival weekend, much of the rest of the world had eyes on Epsom Downs for the Derby and the Oaks or on Tokyo Racecourse, where ******* anese milers tackled the Grade 1 Yasuda Kinen.
Of course, Derby was the main course.
Aidan O'Brien was a solid favorite to saddle his 12th Derby winner and fourth in a row, Saturday at Epsom Downs. And he did, but not without some surprises and a dash of controversy.
O'Brien had four runners in the Classic, including the favorite, Benvenuto Cellini, a Frankel colt who won the Group 3 Chester Vase as his entry to the big race.
But when the gates were sprung open for the Derby, Benvenuto Cellini got away well back in the field and it was two other O'Brien colts, Action and Christmas Day, who showed the way on the rain-soaked course.
Of course, Derby was the main course.
Aidan O'Brien was a solid favorite to saddle his 12th Derby winner and fourth in a row, Saturday at Epsom Downs. And he did, but not without some surprises and a dash of controversy.
O'Brien had four runners in the Classic, including the favorite, Benvenuto Cellini, a Frankel colt who won the Group 3 Chester Vase as his entry to the big race.
But when the gates were sprung open for the Derby, Benvenuto Cellini got away well back in the field and it was two other O'Brien colts, Action and Christmas Day, who showed the way on the rain-soaked course.
5 months ago
