The 244th running of the Betfred Derby went off without a hitch despite the threat of protests ahead of Saturday’s showpiece at Epsom, where Auguste Rodin (5/1) ran down surprise frontrunner King Of Steel (50/1) to clinch an emphatic victory.
Surrey police confirmed they had made 19 arrests ahead of what is regarded as one of the greatest races in the world. One protester managed to get on the track but was swiftly ejected without issue.
In the actual race, Auguste Rodin showed plenty of class to bounce back from his 2000 Guineas disappointment and seal a ninth Derby win for Aiden O’Brien and a third for jockey Ryan Moore.
San Antonio (25/1) led narrowly early on, but King Of Steel powered ahead to take the lead heading into the final stretch. Auguste Rodin wasn’t far behind though and after going neck-and-neck with the surprise leader, showed superior stamina to pull away across the line. White Birch (12/1) finished third.
Friday's Betfred Oaks winner Frankie Dettori had been hoping for a fairytale farewell aboard Arrest (9/2), who set off as one of the pre-race favourites, but it wasn't to be for the legendary jockey who ultimately finished in tenth.
Speaking after the race, O'Brien said of Auguste Rodin: "It’s great credit to everyone that's involved. He’s a total home-bred horse and he came with a massive reputation as a beautiful horse. He’s totally unique."
Aiden O’Brien’s Derby Winners
2001: Galileo
2002: High Chaparral
2012: Camelot
2013: Ruler Of The World
2014: Australia
2017: Wings Of Eagles
2019: Anthony Van Dyck
2020: Serpentine
2023: Auguste Rodin
18+ | BeGambleAware
