Australia wins Epsom Derby for Aidan O’Brien

Australia lived up to the hype when giving Aidan O’Brien his third successive Investec Derby at Epsom.

Third in the Qipco 2000 Guineas off the back of O’Brien’s claims the regally-bred colt is the best horse he has ever trained, the son of Galileo travelled beautifully throughout.

Having hit the front over a furlong out the 11-8 favourite kicked clear of Kingston Hill and while it looked like he may go away and win by further, he still had a length and a quarter to spare from Roger Varian’s gallant runner-up.

John Gosden’s Romsdal outran his 20-1 price to finish third, another three and a quarter lengths away.

Winning rider O’Brien said: “I had a grand position and was going very easily coming down hill, nearly too easy. I got there a bit too soon, I was cantering all the way - I got there too soon but I had to stay going when I did.

“Horses don’t come easier to ride than this fellow - he’s the best (I’ve ridden).”

The winner ran in the colours of Derrick Smith, part of the Coolmore triumvirate, and Kingston Hill is owned by his son, Paul, who said: “I’m delighted, dad can pick up the bill tonight! I always knew what they thought of

Australia, but our horse has run a great race.”

Varian said of Kingston Hill: “I’m really pleased. Andrea gave him a great ride and had him in a good position throughout. He had every chance to win and we really served it up to him. He has run a great race without winning.

“The winner looks very good, so I’m absolutely thrilled. For his first ride in the Derby Andrea did everything right, he’s a pretty relaxed boy. We’ll just have to see if we take him on again, Aidan may drop him back to 10 furlongs but I think the Curragh (Irish Derby) would suit our horse — we’ll just digest everything, he’s had a hard race there. “I’m sure they’ll meet again at some stage.”