Masar oozes class to win the Epsom Derby in tremendous fashion

MASAR ran out an impressive winner of the Investec Derby at Epsom.

The colt had finished behind odds-on favourite Saxon Warrior in the 2,000 Guineas but comprehensively reversed the form, bounding away to give Godolphin their first Derby winner at 16-1.

Ridden by William Buick, the son of New Approach was handy on the outside for most of the journey before being unleashed in the final furlong.

Dee Ex Bee and Roaring Lion both loomed up to challenge, but neither could match the winner’s potent turn of foot.

Saxon Warrior, favourite for the race for months, was unable to get a clear run under jockey Ryan Moore, and although he stayed on well at the death he could only manage fourth place.

Trainer Charlie Appleby, who was landing his first classic, said: It’s not sunk in yet. It still feels like a dream.

“I’m delighted for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed. Firstly for giving me the position to be here. I’ve always said when I started this job I wanted to be the first person to have a Derby winner in Godolphin blue.

“It’s a fantastic team effort, Brett Doyle rides him every day and has been sweet on him since the Guineas. He said he would stay and William has given him a peach of a ride.

“The last 100 yards felt a long way! It’s just great. To have a Derby winner for Godolphin is fantastic.”

Winning jockey William Buick was delighted: “This is huge, it’s massive.

“I’ve come close a couple of times, I think I’ve had seven or eight rides and while I know people have had more without winning I was wondering if my time was ever going to come.

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“He stayed the trip, he travelled beautifully. The Guineas didn’t happen for him, but he’s a very good horse and the team believed in him.

“Since I wanted to be a jockey this was the day I was dreaming of.”

Godolphin founder Sheikh Mohammed said: “It’s not easy to win the Derby, but we have won it. We are pleased to be here today.

“Charlie Appleby is a very good trainer and the horse came from Dubai. I was jumping up and down in the final furlong – horses are in my blood, I love them.”