Beckett’s Westover wins Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at Curragh

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Ralph Beckett-trained Westover won the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby with a dominant display at the Curragh Racecourse on Saturday.

Ridden by Colin Keane, Westover romped home with seven lengths to spare over Piz Badile. French Claim finished third.

Rob Hornby, who was regarded by many as an unfortunate third at Epsom behind Desert Crown, had Ireland's best rider Colin Keane take over for his Classic ride.

Keane didn’t gave enough room to the early pace-setter French Claim gain too much of an advantage in front and while Westover was keeping up the pace, his main market opponent, Aidan O’Brien’s Oaks winner Tuesday, was dropped out by Ryan Moore.

"I believe every jockey says the race they would like to win is the Epsom Derby, I think the Irish Derby would come in second," said Keane.

“Winning our local Derby is fantastic.

It's incredible.

Full credit to Rob Hornby, I called him this morning and he guided me all I needed to know about the horse.

“He claimed that the horse travels well and will go further if you exhaust him.

He stated that getting to the line is one thing he will accomplish.

Ralph stated the same thing, adding that if you get him moving when you turn in, you'll keep going.”

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby was the feature event of the festival of high-octane racing, where the best horses, jockeys and trainers in the world take each other on for derby glory.

The festival and day, which is sponsored by Dubai Duty Free, was a great success filled with fantastic racing, fashion, and fun.

Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, Colm McLoughlin said, “I would like to offer my huge congratulations to the winning connections and also to compliment The Curragh Racecourse on the wonderful facility.

The new Aga Khan Stand is very impressive, this is the 15th Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, however we have been involved with the Curragh for 21 years now. We are delighted to be the title sponsor of this prestigious race and thoroughly enjoyed the action and excitement of the festival.”