The Derby 2020

To further add to an unusual atmosphere, the manner in which ‘The Supreme Test of the Racehorse’ was won left many astounded. Serpentine, one of trainer Aidan O’Brien’s less-fancied runners, led from the start and found himself 12 lengths clear rounding Tattenham Corner. Despite many assuming he had gone for home too soon, he would not be caught and finished five-and-a-half lengths clear of his nearest rival. Serpentine had won his maiden race only one week prior to his Epsom Downs triumph and made jockey Emmet McNamara’s first ride in the race a winning one.

What The Oaks lacked - by comparison at least - in shock factor it more than made up for in quality as the impressive Love - also trained by Aidan O’Brien - burst clear two furlongs from home to stamp her authority on the field, winning comfortably by nine lengths.