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| June 6, 2005 | Monday | Rabi-us-Sani 28, 1426 |
Motivator storms to victory at Epsom Derby
EPSOM (England), June 5: Motivator scorched his way into Epsom Derby history on Saturday, producing a scintillating burst of speed to land the prestigious English Classic for trainer Michael Bell. The 3-1 favourite ridden by Johnny Murtagh, romped to a five-length victory, with Walk in the Park (11-1), the mount of Alan Munro, running on in the closing stages to take second place in the 13-strong field.
Frankie Dettori’s mount Dubawi, a 5-1 shot, finished third for the Godolphin stable of Sheikh Mohammed, three lengths behind the runner-up.
It was Murtagh’s third success in the classic following victories in 2000 on Sinndar and High Chaparral in 2002. Saturday’s winner and runner-up are both by the same sire, Montjeu who captured the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 1999.
Motivator was only the third ever Derby runner for Bell.
Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien sent out four of the runners, including the 7-2 second favourite Gypsy King, who came in fifth under jockey Kieren Fallon.
Motivator took up the running with 400 metres left in the 2.4 km test and the result was never in doubt after that.
Defeat leaves three-time champion jockey Dettori still searching for his first Derby victory in his glittering career.
Motivator’s victory is estimated to have cost bookmakers £5m ($9.09m).—Reuters
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