City Of Troy hailed as greatest ever

The megastar colt silences his critics with an emphatic Derby success and there's plenty to celebrate for the Gredley family in the historic race

- JENNIFER DONALD

Epsom Downs Racecourse, Surrey

AFTER weeks of speculation, megastar colt City Of Troy silenced his doubters with a commanding victory in the Betfred Derby, providing trainer Aidan O’Brien with a record-extending 10th win.

The much-hyped son of Justify and the unflappable Ryan Moore burst through the pack with that breathtaking turn of foot, powering clear of the James Fanshawe-trained Ambiente Friendly to land the 245th running of the race by 2¾ lengths. The conviction of 3/1 favourite City Of Troy’s performance led the Ballydoyle trainer to proclaim his protégé was, without doubt, “the best Derby winner we’ve ever had”.

“So many people have put their heart and soul into City Of Troy and Ryan gave him an incredible ride,” said O’Brien of the colt who runs in the colours of Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith. “We knew the 2000 Guineas went wrong [see box, right]. I made mistakes training him. He has the cruise, the balance, and he quickens and he stays. He’s an incredible horse.”