Kentucky-bred City of Troy, last year’s European Champion 2-Year-Old Colt, followed up his brilliance as an undefeated juvenile with an emphatic victory in the 245th running of the Betfred Derby Stakes (British Champions Series) (G1) at Epsom Downs on Saturday, June 1, becoming the first Kentucky-bred to win the Derby since Kris Kin in 2003. It was the second G1 win for the son of Justify who is owned by Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith.
Bred in Kentucky by Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt, City of Troy is trained by Aidan O’Brien. City of Troy’s impressive victory provided O’Brien with his 10th Derby triumph.
When asked if City of Troy is the best of his Derby winners, O’Brien responded, “No doubt.”
Winner of last year’s Dewhurst Stakes (G1) at Newmarket, City of Troy finished an uncharacteristic eighth in the 2000 Guineas Stakes (G1) in his seasonal bow this year. He bounced back in a big way in the Betfred Derby. City of Troy is now a winner in four of five lifetime starts with earnings of $1,575,673.
“The exciting thing for us is Justify; he has looked very special all the way and the class that they have, speed as well as stamina, is amazing,” O’Brien shared with the media following the win. “Ryan gave him an incredible ride, and I’m so grateful to everyone for the work they have done. We knew that the Guineas went totally wrong. I made mistakes training him and that’s the bottom line. He was too fresh and unprepared. That’s the reality of it. It’s so exciting for everybody. He’s an incredible horse.”