Workforce, Investec Derby Candidate
On Saturday, 5 June 2010, the annual Investec Derby took place with a very surprising outcome. Amongst a host of worthy competitors, a talented horse racing athlete with the name of Workforce took on the competition to deliver one his most spectacular performances to date. Now, with so many options ahead, such as the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the Irish Derby, Sir Michael Stoute will have a difficult decision ahead of him, as his star performer has officially proved his worth.
Workforce was ridden by Ryan Moore and as the Investec Derby, held at Epsom Downs, got into full swing. Many thought that At First Sight would dominate the race from start to finish. Legendary trainer Aidan O’Brian had entered two of his horses, Midas Touch and Jan Vermeer, into the race, but it ended up being a battle between Workforce and At First Sight. Once Workforce had taken the lead from At First Sight, there was no stopping this spectacularly talented horse racing competitor that surged forward and led the field of contenders home. His victory was even more remarkable due to the fact that this was only his third career start. Workforce’s performance is being compared to that of Sea the Stars, and has most definitely shown the horse racing industry that he is a force to be reckoned with. At First Sight followed Workforce across the finish line in second position, with Rewilding in third, and the rest of the field finishing in the order of Jan Vermeer, Midas Touch, Al Zir, Co-ordinated Cut, Buzzword, Hot Prospect, Azmeel, Ted Spread and Bullet Train.
Even though Workforce won the race by seven lengths and set a new record, he did take some strain during the race, and an elated Ryan Moore only had praise for the effort that Workforce put into the race. It was a very emotional victory for Moore, who commented after the race: “With an inexperienced horse, you want to make sure. It’s a shame, because he’s a very honest horse, who gives you everything. He had a tough time out there.” Now, all there is left to do, is select the next career start for this promising horse racing phenomenon.
