Favourite City of Troy WINS the Epsom Derby with jockey Ryan Moore… while legendary trainer Aidan O’Brien triumphs for the 10th time and hails three-year-old as ‘no doubt’ his best winner of the historic race

City of Troy has won the Epsom Derby with trainer Aidan O’Brien claiming a record-extending 10th victory in the iconic race. 

Jockeyed by Ryan Moore, who last year won on Auguste Rodin and now has his fourth triumph, it marks a stunning turnaround for the three-year-old.

Back in May, City of Troy flopped in the QIPCO 2000 Guineas, running home in ninth, but O’Brien was always bullish about his horse’s chances. 

Loose horse Voyage crossed the line first after unseating Pat Dobbs early on but it was City of Troy, surging from the middle of the pack, who claimed victory ahead of Ambiente Friendly and stablemate Los Angeles. 

‘It was hard to know what would happen today but I was very sure we had the best horse,’ said Moore. 

City of Troy has won the Epsom Derby jockeyed by Ryan Moore and trained by Aidan O’Brien

O’Brien has now won a record-extending 10 Epsom Derbies and will be delighted with City of Troy’s turnaround

‘We did a few things wrong at Newmarket but we have rectified that today.

‘With the loose horse in front of him, he was a bit unsure, but he held out strong. We have to be delighted with today.’ 

O’Brien said: ‘The people who were directly involved with this horse… everyone, so many people, who put their heart and soul into this.

‘The exciting thing for us is Justify (his sire); he has looked very special all the way and the class that they have, speed as well as stamina, is amazing.

‘Ryan gave him an incredible ride and I’m so grateful to everyone for the work they have done.

‘We knew that the Guineas went totally wrong. I made mistakes training him and that’s the bottom line. He was too fresh and unprepared. That’s the reality of it.

‘We all know the fact and we speak about them all the time and we learn from it. Since then, everything has been beautiful. Ryan said he was very babyish and green today. 

Moore said he was sure he had the best horse coming into the race despite the failure at Newmarket 

O’Brien claimed that City of Troy was ‘no doubt’ the best derby winner he has ever trained 

A late surge saw Moore and City of Troy claim victory over Ambiente Friendly, who had been second-favourite 

Moore won in 2023 on Auguste Rodin and claimed his fourth Derby crown with City of Troy

‘It’s so exciting for everybody. He’s an incredible horse. 

Is he the best derby winner O’Brien has had? ‘There’s no doubt,’ said the legendary trainer. 

More to follow.