2012 Irish Derby Result: Camelot Overcomes Rivals, Ground At The Curragh

Undefeated Camelot (GB) fought off the conditions and his rivals down the home stretch at the Curragh to win the Group 1 Irish Derby over Born to Sea (IRE). Breaking from the middle of the starting gate, Camelot settled into fourth behind his stablemate and pacesetter, Astrology (IRE), through the first mile of the race. Inside the half mile mark, Camelot moved towards the front of the field on his own while Joseph O'Brien waited to ask for additional run. When called upon for more, Camelot shifted out and nearly cut-off Born to Sea with his rival having to slightly alter his path. Camelot slightly came out again inside the final furlong, clearly struggling with the ground under his feet. There was no inquiry following the finish of the race.

The going at the Curragh was rated as "Soft, Heavy in Places" (when was the last time you saw a rating like that in North America?) and Camelot clearly had difficulty in the final furlongs after navigating such testing conditions. I won't be surprised if he requires some time off after this race in order to fully recover from a two month period that has seen him win the English 2,000 Guineas, the Epsom Derby and the Irish Derby.

Pre-race scratches of Imperial Monarch (IRE) and Speaking Of Which (IRE) left the Irish Derby with a field of just five contenders.

Camelot is a three-year-old son of Montjeu (IRE) out of a Kingmambo mare (Tarfah) trained by Aidan O'Brien and ridden by Joseph O'Brien. He is now five-for-five in his career with four Group 1 wins.

Below are the North American payouts for the G1-Irish Derby: