Search

show me:

Drochaid delivers on Derby day at Epsom

3 minute read

Drochaid just held off the late lunge of Emenem to win the Investec Private Banking Handicap.

Andrew Balding's three-year-old has been in consistent form and was following up a win at Chelmsford.

In a typically messy Epsom handicap, Franny Norton dived for the rail on Emenem, causing Aaron Jones on Hajaj to snatch up as Emenem made strong late progress.

A confident-looking Oisin Murphy may have got a fright as eventually Emenem closed to within a neck of Drochaid (11-2), with Desert Skyline another length back in third.

Murphy said: "He'd not as much experience as the others, but he travelled well and won easily.

"I think he is a horse who could take another step up when he goes up in trip."

Balding said: "It was a really good effort, we'll have to have a think now. You'd hope he'd go on and improve.

"To be honest, we were confident he would see the trip out well. Oisin had him in the right place. I am delighted and he is an improving horse.

"He tends to do that (be a bit keen), but he is a tough horse that always keeps finding. He is going in the right direction and there might be more to come.

"We are working through the grades and we might have a look at a valuable mile-and-a-quarter handicap at the July meeting at Newmarket."

Norton was found guilty of careless riding aboard Emenem and suspended for seven days.


At The Races

What’s gambling really costing you?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au