Sir Percy wins a thriller

Racing: Sir Percy, a 6-1 chance ridden by Martin Dwyer, snatched a short head victory from 66-1 outsider Dragon Dancer in the…

Racing: Sir Percy, a 6-1 chance ridden by Martin Dwyer, snatched a short head victory from 66-1 outsider Dragon Dancer in the Epsom Derby.

In one of the closest finishes to the premier classic for years, pace-making Dylan Thomas, a 25-1 chance in the field of 18, finished third just a head behind the runner-up.

It was a first Derby victory for trainer Marcus Tregoning and jockey Dwyer who came with a late run on the inside to snatch the $1.37 million purse.

"I just kept my head down and was hoping the gap was not going to close on me," said 30-year-old Dwyer who was having only his second Derby ride.

READ MORE

There was a sombre note, though, when the second favourite Horatio Nelson, the mount of Kieren Fallon, broke a front leg during the race.

Owner John Magnier, head of the Coolmore outfit which owns Horatio Nelson, told BBC TV: "He has had a serious fracture but he is being well looked after by the people here.

"It's pretty serious for him but they are obviously going to do the best they can to save him so let's hope for the best."

The disappointment of the race was the French-trained 2-1 favourite Visindar, ridden for the Aga Khan and trainer Andre Fabre by Christophe Soumillon.

The colt looked a possible winner turning into the straight only to fade into fifth place in the final 400 metres.