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Anthony van Dyk hands Aidan O'...

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Anthony van Dyk hands Aidan O'Brien a seventh Derby win


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The Aidan O'Brien-trained Anthony Van Dyk, ridden by Seamie Heffernan has led a clean sweep for Ireland in the Epsom Derby.

Sent off as a 13-to-2 shot, it's O'Brien's record-equalling seventh victory in the prestigious race some 18-years after his breakthrough success with Galileo.

Madhmoon finished second with Japan in third, Sir Dragonet and Madhmoon were fighting it out toward the finishing post but Anthony Dan Dyck galloped ahead of the duo at the far rail.

O'Brien said of the win: "It's incredible. I'm so delighted for everyone and privileged to be part of the team.

"The lads (John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith) put so much in and everyone who works in Ballydoyle and Coolmore - all the way along. There's so many people, from the ground up to the riders, that I'd like to thank.

"I wasn't sure (if he would win), they were all there with a chance and I knew Kevin's horse was there (Madhmoon) and I knew he'd be in top shape and he's a very good horse.

"We were just hoping and so delighted to be involved at that part of the race."

"I think the lads will decide, like they always do, but that is what we thought - that the winner would go back to Ireland (for the Irish Derby, at the Curragh). It is a nice progression for the horse.

"We have the track, the facility and the stands there and it is a three-year-old only race - after that they have to go in against the older horses. We will see how he comes out of it and a decision will be made by them."

Winning jockey Seamie Heffernan said: "I was following Ryan (Moore, on Sir Dragonet), who I thought was the biggest danger. It was a big ask for Sir Dragonet on his just his third run, but mine had danced every dance.

"I've been around plenty of Derby winners, I rode his father in a trial and won it. It means a lot to win it.

"I'm always confident riding for Aidan. Anything can happen, it doesn't matter whether they are favourite or a big price - he trains them all for the big day.

"I haven't had to take a pull going down to the two pole and wait for a run in a long time - I was confident I was going to get plenty of money."


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