The son of Galileo, Serpentine, stunned the Investec Derby field to lead all the way and win the Epsom Classic at odds of 28/1.
Jockey Emmet McNamara’s decision to kick clear on Serpentine, who only broke his maiden tag one week ago, around Tattenham corner caught all his rivals off guard and saw the outsider create a massive lead that none of the big-hitters could overcome.
The victory for the Coolmore operation was an incredible eighth Derby win for master trainer Aidan O’Brien.
With few willing to make the running, Serpentine was sent out early on and saw no rivals upsides from there on in. Turning into the straight he held a seven length with few of the jockeys in behind showing much concern about the deficit they faced.
Say what you like this is just magnificent to watch from McNamara pure artistry. As brutal as the other lads were letting him off he has nailed the fractions like a literal sat nav it was incredible to watch. #Serpentine #EpsomDerby #Derby https://t.co/hnETPX1zki
— kevin o shea (@KezaShea) July 4, 2020
With just over two furlongs to go it became clear that the jockeys had given Serpentine much too much of a soft advantage. Some ground was made up in the closing stages but it was too little too late, with all of the market principles finishing out of the top three.
Winning-jockey Emmet McNamara summed it up perfectly post-race saying, “It was a freebie really”.
Trilled for Emmet McNamara #Derby #Coolmore pic.twitter.com/YwWYEHweJh
— Coolmore (@TomMagnier) July 4, 2020
