Pure Gold

Cape Cross’s outstanding son Golden Horn maintained his perfect record in perfect style at Epsom today, cruising home to take the Derby and become his sire’s second winner of the time-honoured race.

Favourite to win since his impressive victory in the Dante Stakes last month, Golden Horn was dropped in towards the rear under Frankie Dettori, content to let Hans Holbein and Elm Park dictate the pace at the front. Always travelling well, Golden Horn responded brilliantly once asked and any doubts about his stamina were soon forgotten as he drew clear and won going away by three and a half lengths. Godolphin’s Jack Hobbs, who is by retired Darley stallion Halling, put up a fantastic performance to take second and provide trainer John Gosden with the exacta.

Golden Horn won on his sole start at two, reappearing with a win in the Listed Feilden Stakes at Newmarket in April. He then won his Derby trial with ease, taking the Dante by almost three lengths.

Bred by Anthony Oppenheimer’s Hascombe and Valiant Studs, Golden Horn is out of Fleche d’Or, herself a half-sister to the great racemare Rebecca Sharp.

Golden Horn becomes the second winner of the Blue Riband for Cape Cross, following Sea The Stars in 2009. Cape Cross was also the broodmare sire of last year’s Derby winner Australia, who is of course out of his Oaks-winning superstar Ouija Board.