Masar claims the Derby

Masar stormed to Derby glory at Epsom to give Charlie Appleby his maiden Classic triumph.

The three-year-old went off at 16/1 but looked strong throughout as he was expertly piloted by William Buick, who started the day as a two-time Derby runner-up.

Buick broke his duck in style on Masar, travelling well throughout before staying on strong, beating fellow Godolphin horse Dee Ex Bee for Mark Johnston and John Gosden‘s Roaring Lion. 

It was a bad day for Aidan O’Brien as he failed in his quest for a seventh Derby winner, with favourite Saxon Warrior hamstrung from the off after being drawn on the inside.

Speaking afterwards, Appleby thanked the horse’s owners for their faith, while also hailing the performance of the brilliant Buick.

Appleby told ITV Racing: “It’s not sunk in yet. I’m delighted for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed. Firstly for giving me the position to be here. I’ve always said when I started this job I wanted to be the first person to have a Derby winner in Godolphin blue.

“I must thank my team at home. Brett Doyle has done a fantastic job with this horse, the whole team has.

“William gave him the perfect ride round there.”

Masar’s next run could come in the St James’ Palace Stakes on June 19, with a shot at October’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe also being raised as an option.