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a derby day like no other

 

As the greatest Flat race in the world, The Derby has a rich and colourful history, filled with unique stories of human and equine endeavour, but the 2020 event takes its place in the history books as being unlike any other.

 

Staged behind closed doors a month later than usual, The Derby and The Oaks, Epsom Downs’ other famous Classic, were held on a single raceday on Saturday 4th July. With no spectators and only the jockeys, trainers, racecourse officials and a small number of owners on site to witness this condensed Derby Festival, the scene was set for an unprecedented afternoon of racing.

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.

Serpentine out in front on his way to win the 2020 Investec Derby

More about the Derby 2020

The Derby news and quotes

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Derby Day at home in 2020

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