No fairy tale ending for Saxon Warrior at Epsom
Jockey William Buick rides Century Dream to victory in the Diomed Stakes on the second day of the Epsom Derby Festival in Surrey, southern England on June 2, 2018. PHOTO | GLYN KIRK | AFP
What you need to know:
- Mark Johnston’s, Dee Ex Bee, stuck on for a gallant second, with Dante Stakes winner, Roaring Lion, in third.
- Saxon Warrior could only finish fourth after meeting trouble during the richest British race.
Godolphin’s royal blue silks were carried to the Investec Derby wire, as Masar (William Buick), caused a 16-1 upset at Epsom.
Beaten back to third in the 2000 Guineas by Saxon Warrior, Charlie Appleby’s colt, truly turned 360 degrees on Aidan O’Brien’s favourite, who saw Triple Crown ideals, collapse.
Mark Johnston’s, Dee Ex Bee, stuck on for a gallant second, with Dante Stakes winner, Roaring Lion, in third.
Presentation of the trophy to the Godolphin team, trainer Charlie Appleby (left) and Jockey William Buick after Masar won the Derby on the second day of the Epsom Derby Festival in Surrey, southern England on June 2, 2018. PHOTO | AFP
Saxon Warrior could only finish fourth after meeting trouble during the richest British race.
Owned by His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed, Masar was their first such title holder.
Masar took a little while to settle, having Saxon Warrior towards his inside, midfield early on.
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen's racing manager, John Warren attend the second day of the Epsom Derby Festival in Surrey, southern England on June 2, 2017. PHOTO | DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS | AFP
Going around Tattenham Corner, Knight To Behold was leading, but his challenge disintegrated rapidly.
While Masar made his move, cruising for home with three furlongs to go, Saxon Warrior got boxed in, having the door shut in his face two or three times.
When finally extricating himself, it was too late. Party time gone.
