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You are in: Special Events: 2001: Epsom Derby |
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Saturday, 9 June, 2001, 15:37 GMT 16:37 UK
Irish joy at Epsom
Mick Kinane and Galileo are led in after their triumph
By BBC Sport Online's Frank Keogh at Epsom
Trainer Aidan O'Brien is close to reaching legendary status in Ireland after completing an awesome Oaks-Derby double at Epsom with the victory of Galileo. O'Brien is in charge of the massive Ballydoyle training operation, which was once run by the brilliant Vincent O'Brien, who is no relation. This was not just a first Derby victory for the quietly-spoken 31-year-old handler, but confirmation of the Irish hold on big races across Europe. Last year, the 7-1 chance Sinndar claimed the premier Classic for Ireland with Johnny Murtagh on board.
The beautifully-bred winner sprung to prominence in May with a victory in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial, at Leopardstown. He is the first Derby winner to be sired by the champion stallion Sadler's Wells. Golan, the 2,000 Guineas winner, ran a solid race but just could not cope with the pace of O'Brien's charge and had to settle for second. The huge betting plunge on the Frankie Dettori mount Tobougg rewarded each-way punters who backed the horse down to 9/1 from 16/1. But Dettori is still without a winner in the Derby. For O'Brien, it was yet another success in a short but highly successful training career - mainly with Flat horses. He is also famous for training the treble champion hurdler Istabraq. It was jockey Michael Kinane's second triumph in the race, having won on board Commander in Chief eight years ago. Galileo is owned jointly by Sue Magnier, the wife of bloodstock guru John and daughter of Vincent O'Brien. She shares ownership with former bookmaker Michael Tabor, a millionaire who grew up in the East End and is a big supporter of West Ham United FC. Magnier picked O'Brien for one reason: "He trains winners, it's as simple as that."
In eight years, O'Brien has achieved what many dream of in a lifetime. Yet he takes no credit. He praises the team in his softly-spoken way, that leaves you wondering at his calm. He started to make a big impression in 1997 when winning the Irish 1,000 Guineas for fillies with Classic Park. The trainer took the colts' equivalent thanks to Desert King, who also won the Irish Derby. A year later, he won the Sagitta 2,000 Guineas with King of Kings - his first runner in a British Classic. The Vodafone Oaks was claimed with Shahtoush. Other great O'Brien charges have included Giant's Causeway, nicknamed The Iron Horse because of his battling qualities. But perhaps his most remarkable achievement is to have such a flattering record on the Flat, while keeping the superstar jumper Istabraq as well. In Ireland, the horse is not just an obsession - he's a religion. BBC Sport Online asked the trainer if winning the Derby with Galileo can compare with Istabraq's three Champion Hurdle wins at Cheltenham. "After training Istabraq, pressure is nothing. It's a marvellous day, but Istabraq is irreplaceable," he replied. Now O'Brien can also reach for the stars with Galileo.
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Galileo's race
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