What a thriller! O'Brien's Anthony Van Dyck secures Classic glory for Heffernan

Anthony Van Dyck landed a thrilling Investec Derby for Aidan O'Brien to deliver a seventh success in the Epsom Classic for the trainer.

There was little to separate the first four at the line, but it was the mount of Seamie Heffernan who prevailed ahead of Madhmoon and stablemates Japan, Broome and Sir Dragonet, securing a 1-3-4-5 for O'Brien.

The victory takes O’Brien level with Robert Robson, John Porter and Fred Darling for most Derby wins, while it was Heffernan's first success in the most thrilling Flat race in the world.

Heffernan said: "I knew he'd do it when I needed him. My lad danced every dance last season after running into the back-end of very good horses over 7f and he's loved the step up in trip."

Anthony Van Dyck (right) pushes ahead in a thrilling Derby finaleCredit: Edward Whitaker

O'Brien was delighted to see his jockey finally add a Derby victory to his CV, and was full of praise for his Ballydoyle team.

He said: "It was such a competitive race and Seamie has given him a great ride. I'm delighted to see him win the Derby as he's a massive part of our team.

"There are so many people I'd like to thank from the ground up to the riders, the farriers, the vets and everyone in the office. I'm so privileged and delighted to be a part of this."

O'Brien's seven to savour

2001 Galileo Mick Kinane 11-4J

2002 High Chaparral Johnny Murtagh 7-2

2012 Camelot Joseph O'Brien 8-13F

2013 Ruler Of The World Ryan Moore 7-1

2014 Australia Joseph O'Brien 11-8F

2017 Wings Of Eagles Padraig Beggy 40-1

2019 Anthony Van Dyck Seamie Heffernan 13-2

Paddy Power quoted Anthony Van Dyck at 2-1 to follow up in the Irish Derby.

Sovereign was the early pacesetter of the strung-out field, but the race appeared wide open two furlongs out with plenty of contenders gaining ground.

Madhmoon and Broome loomed threateningly but it was Anthony Van Dyck up the far side rail who was able to find the extra gear to assert close to the finish and score by half a length.

Humanitarian was the first of the British challengers to cross the line, finishing seventh.

It is the first time since High-Rise in 1998 that a Lingfield Derby Trial winner to then land the Epsom Classic.

Full result

1 Anthony Van Dyck
2 Madhmoon
3 Japan
4 Broome
5 Sir Dragonet
6 Circus Maximus
7 Humanitarian
8 Norway
9 Line Of Duty
10 Sovereign
11 Hiroshima
12 Bangkok
13 Telecaster

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