Epsom Derby 2013: Ruler Of The World Shines; Dawn Approach Fades

Um, so I guess Galileo (IRE) is continuing to churn out some good horses, huh? Ruler of the World (IRE) pounced on the leaders with just over a quarter mile to go and then held off all challengers in the final strides to win the Group 1 Investec (Epsom) Derby at Epsom Downs in England this morning. Libertarian (GB) and Galileo Rock (IRE) made strong runs in the final furlongs but had to settle for the second and third spots, respectively.

Dawn Approach (IRE), winner of the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket in early May and the heavy 5/4 favorite, faded badly in the final half mile and finished last of 12.

Galileo is the sire of winner Ruler Of The World, third place horse Galileo Rock, fourth place horse Battle of Marengo (IRE), and the sixth place horse Mars (IRE).

Besides his famous sire, Ruler Of The World is out of the Kingmambo mare Love Me True, the dam of multiple Group 1 winner Duke of Marmalade (IRE).

Ruler Of The World was making just the third start of his career. He debuted at the Curragh in Ireland on April 7 and then won the Group 3 Chester Vase on May 9.

Earlier on the Derby day card at Epsom Downs, St Nicholas Abbey (IRE) won the Group 1 Coronation Cup, the sixth Group 1 victory of his career.

The ground at Epsom today was rated Good to Soft.

Video replay: