|
|
|
We've had another tremendous couple of days of racing at this, the 223rd Epsom Derby. For the third successive year the grand prize has gone to an Irish winner, while German runners swept up both the Oaks and Coronation Cup. Trainer Aidan O’Brien was responsible for saddling both first and second placed horses in the Derby, a feat not rivalled since 1948. Johnny Murtagh and High Chaparral (7-2) claimed victory over stable companion and favourite Hawk Wing (9-4) by two lengths, while the rest of the field was some 12 lengths behind. Moon Ballad took third having led the pace until the final two furlongs. Trainer Saeed bin Suroor suggested afterwards he would be better suited to a shorter distance and faster ground, but jockey Jamie Spencer was happy with the run and said, “He gave me a grand ride and handled the course well". Andy Turnell’s Jelani (100-1) came in fourth, while Mark Johnston's two hopes Fight Your Corner and Bandari came in fifth and eighth respectively, both of these had been entered at the last supplementary stage at a cost of £90,000 each. Sadly the race was marred by a tragic fall in the final furlong by Coshocton. A fracture in his near-fore leg made him drop to the ground throwing jockey Philip Robinson to the turf, severely winding him. Course officials and vets responded quickly enclosing the incident with screens for privacy and to provide the necessary attention. Regrettably Coshocton had to be humanely destroyed. It was the first death at the races in 40 years. Fight Your Corner also suffered injury although this was not apparent immediately after the race. A condular fracture of his hind canon bone has now been treated but it means his season is over. Although concerns were raised about the soft track conditions these were quickly dispelled. Johnston a qualified vet said, "We can't really speculate on whether the injury happened during the race itself. That's everyone's immediate assumption, but you just don't know. The horse appeared to finish the race sound and was found to be lame an hour later." John Magnier of Coolmore Stud said, "The ground was perfect, which it must be to get the top horses here, and full marks to the racecourse management." Frankie Dettori finished seventh in the Derby but had victory the day prior winning the Oaks with a strong performance from Kazzia. Favourite Kazzia (100-30) led from the start and fought off Quarter Moon to make the jockey champion. In the Coronation Cup, Boreal (4-1) ridden by Kieren Fallon held off Storming Home making it Fallons second Coronation Cup in three years. The oldest horse Zindabad (six years), finished third. But the real celebrations were for the Ballydoyle team and Coolmore Stud. Like the 2001 winner Galileo, High Chaparral was also sired from Sadler's Wells. Owners John Magnier and Michael Tabor were relishing there success. Tabor had backed High Chapparal back in April with Tote at odds of 20-1. He said, "It's fabulous - just the best". Magnier added, "We have a policy of running in good races as often as possible. First and second is what you dream of - and they were so far clear of the rest. I'd have settled out of court for this." Johnny Murtagh who beat Mick Kinane said, "When you win the Epsom Derby it is always very sweet. The first time I felt elation. Today it is very emotional". Murtagh tasted his first Derby victory three years ago on Sinndar. "When Mick came through there was only going to be one winner. He ran his heart out. He is a very special horse." Speaking about trainer Aidan O'Brien, Murtagh said, "He has a big part to play and he is a great man to ride for and he has shown what a great trainer he is. He is a gentleman to ride for and leaves a lot up to the jockey - he says 'you know best'." O'Brien commented he had no idea which of his front winners would win, "In the last half a furlong I really didn't know who would win". But a winner he was certain of, establishing his fifth success in the last seven British Classics. The young O'Brien has an incredible record of achievement. He was Ireland's amateur riding champion for the 1993/94 season but then began as a jump trainer. Last year he accumulated a total of 23 Group One race wins, including taking both the Derby Oaks double with Galileo and Imagine. Crowd figures were estimated to be around 100,000, down from the previous year which soared close to 150,000 and caused major traffic problems which even meant one well established trainer had problems getting their runner to the Derby on time. Unofficial viewing figures for the BBC television audience is thought to have dropped from last years 3 million to 2.4million. The reductions in spectators and viewers seem likely to be a result of many people watching and following the current World Cup 2002. This not only takes a huge amount of the media coverage, but there was also the Lewis vs Tyson boxing event to cover, the weather had been bad and no pop concert at the event this year. In previous years Heart 106.2 FM had presented a huge line up of pop groups and stars which attracted many young families for the free music concert. This year, Jazz FM presented a new and very well received concert featuring Edwin Starr, Geno Washington, Ruby Turner plus Jazz FM's own Soul, Rhythm and Blues Revue. These artists proved to be a huge hit with the crowds gathered on the Hill, creating a wonderful atmosphere as everyone sang, danced and cheered to the cool sound of jazz, soul and rhythm and blues. Despite the many other distractions which have caused reduced spectators and viewers of the races, the EpsomDerby.com website continues to grow at an exciting rate. Thank you for your continued support. Once again we have a huge array of pictures from the races in the Picture Gallery section of the site. There are pictures from the paddocks, the course, the stands, the races, the fashion and the faces, the fair ground, the music concert and much more!. Click here to view the 2002 Picture Gallery. |
|
|||
| Horse
Racing Home
- Race
Entries for the Derby, Oaks and Coronation Cup
- Racing
Schedule - Results and
Course Records - Where to
Watch the Racing - Watch the
Racing Live |
Home - Introduction - Horse Racing - Betting and Gambling - News & Reviews - Picture Gallery - Race Results - Review 2002 - Tickets See also: Travel to Epsom - Accommodation - Derby Day Picnic - Derby Fun Fair - Weather Conditions - Links Directory - Contact - Email Updates - Recommend-it! |
Copyright © 2002 - All Rights Reserved