An update on the Epsom Derby meeting and tips from local trainers by Caroline Baldock
The cold mornings have been wonderful for the racehorses, and the sunshine later in the day was perfect for our racing enjoyment.
James Crespi, the new manager of the (Epsom) racecourse, certainly had his hands full with threats of protestors. A strategy had to be arrived at that would give the maximum of security and also allow for viewing for the public. Not easy. It is a tough job when you are familiar with it all, but James stepped in quite recently. Seeing the crowds on Oaks Day, and bin bags were attached to the fence. Attention to detail, has paid off. There was only one protestor who made it onto the course, but not for long.
On Friday 2nd June the Dettori double gave us a very exciting day with his first win with Emily Upjohn for Lloyd Webber. I recall that the deleterious effects of the covid lock down nearly rendered Webber bankrupt, but he made it through and held onto his racehorses. This one proved a charmed winner of the Coronation Cup. Webber looked absolutely delighted. Dettori rode a cracker.
In the Oaks, Dettori had the ride on the lovely Soul Sister, bred and owned by Lady Bamford. It all began with a bit of trouble from Running Lion who took a dislike to the stalls and managed to break out. The field started without her. Dettori sat at the back settled her and waited. At Tattenham Corner and in the style of Lester Piggott, Dettori waited and waited. Then the turn done he asked her, and she responded and was suddenly in the middle of the field and still accelerating. Then a real battle ensued. Save the Last Dance and Caernarfon suddenly Dettori was on the outside and cruising, the cheers went up, the atmosphere was electric. He sailed past them to win by two lengths. It was breath taking. A double for Dettori on his final year race riding. We are going to miss him. Soul Sister is a daughter of Frankel. It does make one think that Frankel may well have won the Derby.
On Saturday 3rd June, King of Steel had a good start at the Derby, August Rodin is by Deep Impact, and out of a great Gallieo mare. He was in front of only four as they approached Tattenham Corner, at four furlongs a battle ensured with Kings of Steel who had his head in front and August Rodin, just battled through he took on Kings of Steel and wore him down. Ryan Moore ran a perfect race, and the great horse just won through. White Birch was third. Once again Aiden O’Brien proved to be a trainer of the best, this being his ninth Derby win. That winning post at the Derby is all you need to judge a horse by.
On the Epsom Front Look out for Come On John trained by Michael Attwater. Lee Carter’s favourite horse is Enough Already, and he has won and will win again. Jim Boyle trains Bad Company and he is sure to win again but may need a cut in the ground. Rev de La Batalla trained by Simon Dow is a horse worth keeping one’s eye on and also Desfondado. Gilbert and Vegas Jack in Adam West’s stable are worth keeping an eye on those too. Enjoy the summer and don’t forget Racing at Epsom Downs on; 5th July 13th July and 20th July 3rd August 18th August and the 28th August.
Caroline Baldock
Your Epsom Tout.