Events / Malcolm Pannett / 24 June 2009 /

The Irish Derby provides a welcome opportunity for Epsom Derby-winners, if taking up the challenge, to confirm their superiority, or otherwise, over their contemporaries. Since the prize money took a quantum leap in 1962 14 horses have done just that, Malcolm Pannett takes up the story...

First run in 1866, when Selim took the honours, the Irish Derby is run over a mile-and-a-half at the Curragh which has staged horseracing since the early 1700s. The vast expanse of the County Kildare amphitheatre and its flat straight makes the copy arguably a fairer test of the breed than the Epsom original with its switchback idiosyncrasies.

In 1907 Orby added the Irish version to his Epsom triumph but it wasn't until the injection of prize money from the Irish Hospitals' Sweepstake that the big guns were lured over the Irish Sea on a regular basis.

In the 1962 race, the first run as the Irish Sweeps Derby, Epsom-winner Larkspur took his place but could only finish fourth behind the French-trained Tambourine II and Artic Storm, who fought out a thrilling finish, with Sebring third. The winner should have been disqualified as his lad broke the rules by taking off his charge's blinkers too early during the celebrations. The stewards though used their discretion and let the result stand.

The 14 horses who have subsequently completed the Epsom/Curragh double are: Santa Claus (1964), Nijinsky (1970), Grundy (1975), The Minstrel (1977), Shirley Heights (1978), Troy (1979), Shergar (1981), Sharastani (1986), Kahyasi (1988), Generous (1991), Commander In Chief (1993), Sinndar (2000), Galileo (2001) and High Chaparral (2002) who also won the Breeders' Cup Turf twice.

One of the most memorable moments in the history of the race occurred in 1965. Meadow Court, who had been second to Sea-Bird in the Derby, won and co-owner Bing Crosby treated the Curragh crowd to an impromptu rendition of When Irish Eyes Are Smiling in the winner's enclosure. Meadow Court went on to win the King George before finishing runner-up in the St Leger.

In the last two decades winners of the Prix du Jockey Club, the French equivalent of the Derby, have competed more often with Old Vic (1989), who finished his career when a gallant runner-up to his stable-companion Belmez in the 1990 King George; Dream Well (1998); and Montjeu (1999) (see below) all winning at the Curragh.

Other notable winners include Zarathustra (1954) who subsequently won the St Leger and the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot; Ballymoss (1957) who won the Arc; Salsabil (1990) winner of the 1000 Guineas and Oaks; St Jovite (1992) who reversed placings with his Epsom conqueror Dr Devious; Balanchine (1994) Oaks winner who beat favourite and Epsom Derby-second King's Theatre; Alamshar (2003) the Derby-third who beat favourite and subsequent Arc-winner Dalakhani both owned by the Aga Khan; Hurricane Run (2005) Prix du Jockey Club-second who beat subsequent St Leger-winner Scorpion before taking the Arc; and Dylan Thomas (2006) who won the Longchamp showpiece the following season.

There have been two dead-heats; Haine and Zodiac (1924) and Patriot King and Primero (1934). Budweiser took over sponsorship in 1986 followed by Dubai Duty Free in 2007.

25 years ago - El Gran Senor (pictured above) made amends for his shock short-head Epsom defeat by Secreto when impressively landing the odds in what turned out to be his swansong. Jockey Pat Eddery again waited on the 2-7 favourite until the final furlong to make his move but this time the acceleration was immediate and Prix du Jockey Club-third Rainbow Quest was dispatched by an easy length with a further five back to Dahar. Entries for other races were made however a foot problem curtailed the son of Northern Dancer's racing career and he was sent to stud.

10 years ago - One of the most impressive winners in recent memory as Montjeu treated his rivals with disdain. Cash Asmussen did his impression of a statue as the son of Saddler's Wells cruised up to the pace-setting Urban Ocean and Derby-second Daliapour. Asmussen, who had originally been called Brian before changing his name, allowed Montjeu his head at the furlong pole and he readily galloped five lengths clear. Montjeu went on to win the King George and the Arc and is now a top sire whose offspring include Irish Derby-winners Hurricane Run and Frozen Fire.

Five years ago - Derby-winner North Light was sent off odds-on and took up third place behind Moscow Ballet and Derby-second Rule Of Law in the early stages before striking the front inside the final two furlongs. However Grey Swallow, third in the Irish 2000 Guineas, came with a good run under Pat Smullen to wear down North Light and prevail by half-a-length scoring at 10-1.

Last year - With New Approach withdrawn in the morning Derby-second Tartan Bearer headed the market at the off. However a furlong from home Alessandro Volta, who had made his way through on the inside to lead, hung sharply to the left interfering with Curtain Call and Tartan Bearer. This left the way clear for 16-1 shot Frozen Fire, who was running up the middle of the track, to score from Casual Conquest and Alessandro Volta. The latter was demoted to fourth giving Tartan Bearer third place.

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