Percy Speeds To Derby Glory

Marcus Tregoning may have got stopped for speeding on the way to Epsom but luckily his colt Sir Percy went into overdrive as he powered to victory in a thrilling renewal of the 227th Vodafone Derby.

The bargain-buy was delivered on the line to gain a famous success, Martin Dwyer's mount keeping on in determined fashion up the far rail to land the spoils in a photograph, the well-backed 6-1 winner denying 66-1 outsider Dragon Dancer by a short head.

Early front-runner Dylan Thomas (25-1) finished third, a head further back, with the unlucky Hala Bek another short head away in fourth.

But the race was tinged with sadness as second-favourite Horatio Nelson had to be put down after suffering a serious leg injury.

Sir Percy, who went through the sales ring for just 16,000 guineas, was briefly owned by Tregoning before being sold on to Anthony and Victoria Pakenham.

They hoped he would be a decent long-term prospect for jumps racing, but an unbeaten career as a two-year-old followed by a game effort when second in the 2000 Guineas saw the colt prove a popular choice for victory in the world's most famous Flat race.

The winner's participation had been in doubt a fortnight ago as he struggled to regain peak fitness after Newmarket.

But Tregoning was all smiles after seeing his hard work and patient touch rewarded with a first Derby.

He said: 'Everyone has done a great job with him at home ? my vet, physiotherapist and all the staff.

'I have to thank Sheikh Hamdan for this as he has allowed me to train the horse on his gallops and he has been really interested in all the work he has done.

'I got stopped for speeding on the way here and when I told the policeman I had a runner in the Derby, he said it had nothing to do with it and I should steady up! Luckily he let me go.'

The trainer admitted that at the line his initial instinct was that Sir Percy had been beaten.

'I honestly thought we'd been done by a short head,' he said. 'I thought Hala Bek had got up on the outside but I'm delighted to have been wrong.

'Martin gave him a terrific ride and he has always been full of confidence.

'I ought to mention that I spoke to Ian Balding last week and he was telling me how disappointed he had been when Mill Reef was beaten in the Guineas only to go on and win the Derby and that I shouldn't be disheartened.'

Dwyer held the winner up towards the rear in the early stages and he was still towards the back as the field started their charge down the hill towards Tattenham Corner, headed by Dylan Thomas and Dragon Dancer.

The latter pair appeared for some way as if they might have stolen the race but the pack were closing in behind.

Hala Bek emerged with a determined challenge down the outside but blew his chance when jinking right well inside the final furlong, losing vital momentum that could well have cost him victory.

There were no such problems for Sir Percy on the far rail, however, and he ran straight and true to get his nose in front on the line from the maiden Dragon Dancer.

Visindar, sent off the 2-1 favourite, was always finding the others a stride too quick in the home straight and stayed on to finish a never-nearer fifth.

It was the stuff of nightmares for experienced jockey Philip Robinson, who came so close to winning with Hala Bek only to find himself out of the placings.

The Michael Jarvis-trained 9-1 chance, having just the second race of his life after being forced to miss his intended trial through injury, was about to throw down his challenge for the lead inside the final furlong when misfortune struck.

Without warning, Robinson's mount jinked and took a step to the right, losing important momentum and vital distance as the rider fought to maintain his balance and his hold on the reins.

Jarvis, unable to conceal his frustration, did not hang around for long after the race.

'I don't know what he did, he went and changed his legs or took a funny stride and it cost him the race,' he said. 'It's just so unlucky.'

Robinson added: 'Without a doubt (it cost him victory). It stopped all momentum. If there had been another 50 yards we would have got back up.'

The maiden Dragon Dancer came close to giving Geoff Wragg a second Derby win following his 1983 victory with Teenoso and surprised his trainer in the process.

'So near yet so far,' said Wragg. 'I know where I'd like to go now ? the Irish Derby ? but he's not in it so we will have to see what the owners say (about supplementing him).

'He's entered in the King Edward VII at Royal Ascot but that would be going downhill after this.'

(C) PA Sport