Chester Vase Form Holds Strong: Lambourn's Unwavering Derby Dominance

The roar of the crowd at Epsom Downs on Saturday, June 7th, 2025, wasn't just for a Derby winner; it was a testament to the enduring genius of Aidan O'Brien. While many fixed their gaze on the familiar favorites and the traditional Classic trials, it was his less-fancied Lambourn, ridden with audacious conviction by Wayne Lordan, who etched his name into the annals of this iconic race. This wasn't just another Derby; it was a masterclass in strategy, patience, and the art of training a champion.

From the moment the gates crashed open, Lambourn, a 13-2 shot, dictated the narrative. Instead of settling, he surged, setting a searing pace that left his rivals chasing shadows. This wasn't a typical Derby grind; it was a bold, front-running display of raw power and stamina. Lordan, returning from a career-threatening injury, rode with the hunger of someone with something to prove, his hands and heels urging every ounce of effort from the son of Australia. Their synergy was palpable, turning a relentless gallop into an unassailable lead. The three and three-quarter length victory wasn't just convincing; it was emphatic.

The Trial Form Enigma: Lambourn arrived at Epsom with validated form, having recently claimed a decisive victory in the Group 3 Chester Vase – a key Derby trial. His performance there, though perhaps under the radar of some, proved his stamina and ability to handle a demanding track. Crucially, the runner-up in that very race, Charlie Johnston's Lazy Griff, replicated his second-place finish here at a staggering 50-1, adding further credence to the form coming out of Chester.

However, the traditional Derby pointer, the Dante Stakes, proved to be something of a red herring this year. The York contest, run on good to firm ground, was won by the outsider Pride Of Arras. More notably, Aidan O'Brien's odds-on Dante favourite, The Lion In Winter, could only manage a disappointing sixth, having reportedly pulled hard. This form failed to translate to Epsom's good ground, which was described as good to soft in places after overnight rain, leading to the pre-race favourite Ruling Court's withdrawal due to connections' concerns about the wet conditions. While The Lion In Winter was an O'Brien runner, his Derby effort was similarly muted, finishing fourteenth – suggesting the change in ground conditions, coupled with his earlier keenness, might have played a significant role in negating his earlier promise shown on faster surfaces.

Full Epsom Derby replay with post-race interviews (Racing TV)

For O'Brien, this was a familiar feeling, yet no less sweet. His record-extending 11th Derby triumph wasn't built on sending out the obvious choice. While stable jockey Ryan Moore opted for Delacroix (who finished ninth), and The Lion In Winter garnered significant attention after his Dante run (despite the result), O'Brien's depth of talent and his uncanny ability to prepare multiple horses for the biggest stage shone through. It was a subtle nod to the fact that even the most celebrated trainer can surprise, revealing a hidden gem in the most prestigious of settings. Joseph Patrick O'Brien's Tennessee Stud (28-1) rounded out the placings in third.

As the dust settled on the 246th running of the Betfred Derby, the story wasn't just about a horse crossing the finish line first. It was about a trainer's unwavering vision, a jockey's inspiring comeback, and a horse who ran his own race, fearlessly leading from start to finish, proving that sometimes, the most reliable form comes from unexpected quarters, especially when the ground changes the game. Lambourn now looks set to continue his Classic campaign, with the Irish Derby and St Leger beckoning. But no matter what comes next, his dominant performance at Epsom will be remembered as a testament to the sheer brilliance of the O'Brien stable and a thrilling reminder that sometimes, the most compelling stories are written by those who dare to defy expectations.

(7/6/2025)