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| Investec Derby Entries - 2013 |
Epsom
Derby
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442 for the 2013 Investec Derby The 234th running of the Investec Derby, at Epsom Downs on Saturday, June 1, 2013, has received an entry of 442. Run over a mile and a half, the world’s most famous Classic will have a prize fund of at least £1,250,000. Many of the world’s major owners are well-represented at the initial yearling entry stage. Sheikh Mohammed currently has the highest number of entries of any single owner, with a total of 43 hopefuls at this early stage. Among Sheikh Mohammed’s contingent is Superfection, a half-brother to 2010 Kentucky Derby hero Super Saver, who at $1.2 million topped this year’s sale at Saratoga. Other significant purchases by Sheikh Mohammed in 2011 who hold a 2013 Investec Derby entry include a New Approach colt out of Lady Miletrian, who made 500,000 guineas at Tattersalls and a colt by the same stallion out of Ladeena, who cost 450,000 guineas at the same venue. Sheikh Mohammed is also the founder and driving force behind Godolphin, and there are 33 initial entries under the Godolphin banner.
Other purchases by the Coolmore team (also successful in the Investec Derby with Galileo in 2001 and High Chaparral in 2002) in 2011 included a 520,000 guineas son of Montjeu out of Queen Mary Stakes winner Dance Parade and a Giant’s Causeway colt out of Group Three scorer Liscanna, who was knocked down for $550,000 at Saratoga. The victory of Pour Moi in 2011 was the first for a French-trained runner in 35 years and there are currently 48 entries hailing from the other side of the Channel. These include the most expensive colt sold in France this year, by Galileo out of US Grade One heroine Royal Highness, who went for €500,000 at Deauville and is now in training with Alain de Royer Dupre for Australian owners Waratah Thoroughbreds. Another eye-catching French entry is a 300,000 guineas son of Galileo out of the Group One-placed L’Ancresse, who is in training with Freddy Head for Sheikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al-Thani. The most successful current owner in the Investec Derby is the Aga Khan, who has enjoyed four victories courtesy of Shergar (1981), Shahrastani (1986), Kahyasi (1988) and Sinndar (2000). He has 28 entries for 2013 spread between Alain de Royer Dupre, Mikel Delzangles and Jean-Claude Rouget in France, plus John Oxx in Ireland. Three Investec Derby winners have carried the colours of Khalid Abdulla to success, most recently Workforce (2010), who followed in the footsteps of Quest For Fame (1990) and Commander In Chief (1993). He is once again well-represented, with 16 entries. Hamdan Al Maktoum also has an enviable Investec Derby record having tasted victory with Nashwan (1989) and Erhaab (1994). He has 22 entries for 2013, including one of his first horses in training with reigning champion trainer Richard Hannon. The Queen came closest to success in the Investec Derby with Aureole, who finished runner-up to Pinza in the Coronation year of 1953, while in 2011 she was represented by 5/2 favourite Carlton House, who took third behind Pour Moi. Her Majesty has two possible representatives in 2013, who like Carlton House are both sired by Street Cry and bred by Sheikh Mohammed. Saleh Al Homaizi and Imad Al Sagar, successful with Authorized in 2007, have three entries this time around, while other owners to catch the eye include former ABBA star Benny Andersson, Investec chief Bernard Kantor, Manchester United and England footballer Michael Owen, who has entered a half-brother to his St Leger runner-up Brown Panther, and Pearl Bloodstock. The figure of 442 entries is in line with recent trends and for the third year in succession is well above the 400 mark. The recent entry numbers for the Investec Derby are as follows: 2013-442; 2012-478; 2011-444; 2010-388. There are two further opportunities to enter the 2013 Investec Derby - at the second entry stage in April, 2013, and at the supplementary entry stage, on the Monday prior to the Classic. Andrew Cooper, Clerk of the Course and Director of Racing at Epsom Downs, commented: “We are delighted with the total number of Yearling Entries and in particular the increase in French-trained horses - no doubt due to Pour Moi's triumph this year but also perhaps to an increase in promotional activity on our part. “We would like to extend our thanks to the Owners both large and small who continue to support the Yearling Entry - it remains the most cost-effective way of having a runner in the Investec Derby.” Selected leading owners in the 2013 Investec Derby: 43 entries Sheikh Mohammed
34 Entries Sue Magnier (some in various partnerships with Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Fitri Hay, David Wachman, Mrs P Shanahan, M V Magnier)
33 Entries Godolphin
28 Entries H H Aga Khan
22 Entries Hamdan Al Maktoum Derrick Smith Michael Tabor
16 Entries Khalid Abdulla
12 Entries Niarchos Family
9 Entries Jackie Bolger
7 Entries Ecurie Wildenstein Highclere Thoroughbred Racing
6 Entries Bjorn Nielsen
4 Entries Andrew Tinkler
3 Entries H R H Sultan Ahmad Shah Ian Balding Lady Bamford Lady Rothschild Saleh Al Homaizi & Imad Al Sagar Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al-Thani
2 Entries George Strawbridge The Queen
1 Entry Benny Andersson Bernard Kantor & Markus Jooste Cheveley Park Stud Owen Promotions Limited Pearl Bloodstock |
