Lambourn Secures Derby Stakes Victory at Epsom Downs

⁢ ‍ Updated June 07, 2025

Lambourn, ridden by Lordan, claimed victory in the ⁣Derby Stakes at Epsom Downs, repeating his success from the ⁣Chester Vase last month where he also beat Lazy Griff. Trainer Charlie⁤ Johnston⁣ noted the strong form from Chester, expressing surprise at Lambourn’s odds.

The Derby featured 18 runners after Ruling Court, the⁢ 2,000 Guineas winner, was withdrawn by trainer Charlie Appleby due to concerns about the⁤ soft ground. Instead, Ruling Court is now slated to⁤ compete in⁣ the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal⁤ Ascot.

Lambourn, a son of the 2014 Derby champion Australia and ‍grandson of 2001 winner Galileo, continues Coolmore’s dominance in the prestigious⁤ race. This Derby Stakes win marked a significant achievement for ⁣Lordan, a key member of O’Brien’s⁣ Ballydoyle team.

Lordan’s victory is particularly poignant, given his recovery from a severe fall at the Irish Derby two years prior, which resulted ⁤in leg and elbow fractures. “I had a lot of tests to pass, it⁢ took me eight ⁢months to get⁢ back,” Lordan said, celebrating his first ‍Derby ‍win after nine attempts. “This is one of the greatest races. For ⁢any jockey that starts out, all they ever‍ want to do is win a Derby. ⁣I’m in‍ a lucky position that I get to ride a horse like this.”

What’s next

Following his ⁤impressive⁢ Derby Stakes win,Lambourn is expected to compete in other major races later this season,with potential targets ⁢including the Irish Derby and the King ⁢George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.