Galileo grabs Derby glory
Galileo completed a fabulous double for the Coolmore team with a resounding victory in the Vodafone Derby at Epsom.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien, jockey Michael Kinane and owner Sue Magnier enjoyed a Classic success on Friday with Imagine in the Vodafone Oaks.
And Galileo never gave connections a moments anxiety once Kinane sent the 11-4 joint-favourite into the lead with two and a half of the 12 furlongs left to travel.
The son of Sadler's Wells scorched clear to score by three and a half lengths from market rival Golan with Frankie Dettori's mount Tobougg (9-1) a head away in third.
"I expected more pace but I was in the ideal position," said a jubilant Kinane.
"He's the best Derby horse I've ridden - he's got exceptional pace."
A stewards' inquiry was announced but the winner was not affected.
The officials were looking into possible interference between Golan and Perfect Sunday, and Tobougg and Storming Home.
Kinane said: "I had a lucky omen as I was drawn 10 both days. I was surprised we were going as slow as we did, but when I kicked that was it.
"He's a hell of a horse - the best I've ridden at that distance. And he has the pace to come back in distance as well."
It was quickly announced that the placings remained unaltered.
Michael Tabor, one of the winner's owners, could hardly believe the result.
He said: "It was an incredible performance. He was always cruising. Mick took it up and really there was no danger.
"I got the vibes from Aidan and everyone at Ballydoyle that this horse was something special."
O'Brien, who was saddling his first Derby winner, was typically calm after the race.
He said: "He's an unbelievable horse. We just let him dally for his first two races then we started to train him. In his work he improved between 15 and 18 lengths at home which is unbelievable improvement. He was doing that and still at the top of the gallop he was only getting going.
"It's always great for a horse when they start showing their full potential - showing how good they can be really."
