Aidan O’Brien saddled a record seventh Irish Derby win when his 8/11 favourite Fame and Glory landed The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (Group 1) under Johnny Murtagh in the familiar colours Derrick Smith making it a double on the day for connections.
Murtagh took up the lead on the Montjeu gelding from over a furlong out and was soon clear and stayed on well to hold off stablemate Golden Sword by 5 lengths.
Winning trainer O’Brien said afterwards, “He has been a great horse all along and he got a great ride. He’s a typical Classic horse, he has natural tactical pace and he very quickly got into his stride and he travelled great. The sky is the limit for him now.”
O’Brien also added, “It’s a very special day on passing Vincent O’Brien’s record of 6 Irish Derby wins. Words cannot describe how special it is as this is one of the most important races all year.”
Winning jockey Murtagh stated “Fame And Glory was a different proposition today than at Epsom and he improved quite a bit from the run – I don't care what horse turned up today, we'd have taken serious beating.”
He added “He's a very high class and relaxed horse and once I asked him to quicken coming down the hill, he just came on the bridle straight away. We'll have to wait and see what Aidan (O'Brien) decides to do next but he is a candidate for all those big races.”
Part-owner John Magnier was also quick to praise the work done by recently deceased Dr Vincent O'Brien in the Ballydoyle operation, saying “all our horses' blood-lines originate from Vincent and we owe him everything.” Fame And Glory received a quote of 5/1 (from 10/1) with William Hill for the Prix d'Arc in October.
