Thrilling Epsom Derby Finish
In the year 1909, a hundred and two years ago, a horse named Minoru, owned by Edward VII, won the Epsom Derby. It was the last time a horse from the Royal family had won this event, and it seems the family will have to wait another year as the 2011 Epsom Derby, sponsored by Investec, was won by Pour Moi, with Treasure Beach in second place, and Carlton House finishing in third place. Even though Carlton House did not manage to secure the victory, the Queen was still happy with his performance and is pleased to own a horse that shows so much potential.
It was an extremely thrilling race, with Pour Moi having to make up a lot of ground to be able to take a length finish over Carlton House. The Queen’s racing advisor, John Warren, commented that that they had much admiration for Pour Moi and that if circumstances were different Carlton House would have been able to deliver a winning performance. A few problems were suffered in the Carlton House camp, such as him missing a break and losing a shoe during the running of the Epsom Derby. Other camps were also given a few blows, with the High Court deciding that champion jockey Keiren Fallon was not permitted to ride, as Fallon had signed on to ride Native Khan, and then made the decision to go over to the opposition to ride Recital. Fallon insisted that there had been a misunderstanding in regard to the contract.
The Epsom Derby was attended by the Queen, Prince William (Duke of Edinburgh) and his wife Kate (Duchess of Cambridge), as well as Prince Harry, all hoping that the Royals’ run of bad luck with the Epsom Derby would be broken. Pour Moi’s trainer, Andre Fabre, was overwhelmed with the victory, especially as his jockey, Mickael Barzalona, was only nineteen years old. He knew that beating the Queen’s horse would not gain him popularity with the crowd, but was immensely honored to be in the winner’s circle. It still remained a day of spectacular fashion, great live horse racing action and entertainment that everyone enjoyed.
