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The 2001 Epsom Derby has been a spectacular event with probably the biggest turn out on the Downs in thirty years. We've had a fantastic two days of racing here in Epsom and despite unfavourable weather on Saturday, the going remained good to firm and the mood of the crowd remained anything but dampened. A carnival like atmosphere and a roaring crowd cheered Galileo home down the final straight with a three-and-half length lead to victory and into the record books as the second fastest ever Derby winner. Winning jockey Mick Kinane described Galileo as the best Derby horse he'd ever ridden, while Aidan O'Brien Galileo's trainer, said "He is extraordinary, a superstar, a very special horse", "he could gallop on water". Joint favourite Golan at 11/4 ridden by Pat Eddery finished in second place, while Frankie Detorri came in third on Tobougg (9/1). Her Majesty the Queen was present for both days of racing despite her other monarchical duties of seeing in the re-elected prime minister on Friday. We were also privileged to have the Queen mother attend the racing on Saturday. Flight of Fancy, the Queen's horse took second place in the Oaks as Mick Kinane and Aidan O'Brien also triumphed the other big win with Imagine (3/1). M Wills riding Relish the Thought took third, while Hughes riding Mot Juste came in fourth. This year the racing has been really fantastic with Galileo setting a finishing time of 2min 33.27 seconds just short of the record 2min 32.31 seconds set by the 1995 duo of Walter Swinburn and Lammtarra. Walter was at Epsom and watched Galileo surge home, he said "I haven't been as excited about the race like this for a long time. I think this year's special." It was a great weekend for Galileo's owners Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor, and the rest of the Coolmore Stud team. The great champion stallion Sadler's Wells sired both Galileo and Imagine. It was Galileo's fourth win in four starts and the Derby result for Galileo will have significantly increased his value for bloodstock. Galileo's value is now being estimated at around £20 million and later when he goes to stud he is likely to be able to charge £60,000 to £80,000 fees. It was a successful day for the bookmakers with most celebrating despite the fact one of the joint favourites won. Ladbrokes had predicted an industry-wide turnover of £50 million on the day and it is likely that target will have been reached. A spokesman for William Hill said "Tobougg was probably the best backed horse in the race, the fact he was third, backed considerably each way, has inflicted deeper wounds than either of the front pair could have done." There was a huge spectator turn-out on the downs and it was estimated there may have been as many as 150,000 spectators on Saturday. The Heart 106.2 Derby Day picnic concert was packed as crowds gathered to watch a tremendous line-up of performers including: Emma Bunton (Spice Girls); Hear Say; Steps; Deacon Blue; and Dina Carrol, to name but a few. UK television coverage of the 2001 Epsom races switched from Channel 4 racing to the BBC for the first time in 22 years. As a result the viewing audience increased by 1/2 million from 2.5 to 3 million. While this is a significant improvement, the BBC will endeavour to improve this figure substantially in coming years as the decision for this years coverage was made late, not leaving the time for full promotions. Here on the EpsomDerby.com website we have experienced a ten-fold increase in demand from last year. The site continues to grow in both size and stature, we thank you for all your messages and support. To see the pictures from the 2001 Epsom Derby, visit the picture gallery by clicking here. |
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