Sea The Stars triumphs to take Classics double

John Oxx’s Sea The Stars became the first racehorse of the 21st century to complete the 2,000 Guineas and Epsom Derby double on Saturday, beating Fame and Glory to claim the richest purse in English flat racing.

Aidan O’Brien’s hopes of becoming the first trainer to see his entries close out the top five places at the Derby came to nothing, as only Fame and Glory placed in the race, followed home by Masterofthehorse. O’Brien’s Rip van Winkle finished the race in fourth place.

The victory gave Oxx his second Epsom Derby triumph, following on Sinndar’s victory in 2000. Following the race Oxx suggested that he would most likely not enter Sea the Stars into the St Leger in the pursuit of the English Triple Crown.

Jockey Mick Kinane used all of his experience to steer Sea The Stars to victory, claiming his third Epsom Derby title. Following the race Kinane paid tribute to his mount.

“I was going so easy all the way, it was as if we were going in slow motion,” Kinane told the BBC. “That’s the key to him - he has serious tools, over any trip. When this lad came along last May I thought I’d better hang around a bit longer!”