Madhmoon team happy to move up to second as they salute brave runner-up

Life is full of nice surprises and Madhmoon coming second in the Derby on Saturday was certainly one for those closest to him.

The Madhmoon huddle had collected around the third-placed marker, conducted the post-race debriefing with jockey Chris Hayes and were assessing what might be next when the result of the four-way photo for runner-up behind Anthony Van Dyck came in.

“Chris said he went a bit earlier than he wanted and that possibly cost him second,” said Angus Gold, racing manager to owner Hamdan Al Maktoum as the result was announced.

“We were second Angus!” Richard Hills, a part of Sheikh Hamdan’s advisory team, shouted across the course with delight.

“Well, I was convinced he wouldn’t stay either so he’s proven me wrong on that too!” responded Gold, who then added: “If you’d have told me that’s where we’d have been before the race then I’d have been happy.”

Anthony Van Dyck (Seamie Heffernan, far rail) had bookmakers cheering as he win the Investec DerbyCredit: Mark Cranham (Racingpost.com/photos)

Looking ahead, Gold said: “It opens things up for him [by staying the trip]. Whether we stay at a mile and a half or go a mile and a quarter then we’ll have to see. There’s the Irish Derby that he could go for and the Irish Champions Stakes later in the year that might suit too.”

Hayes, in his blue and white silks, and Madhmoon were the only ones able to challenge the utter domination of the Ballydoyle runners, and the jockey was thrilled with the run.

“He ran a cracker and he definitely stayed,” he said. “He stumbled coming around Tattenham Corner and that lit him up a little bit. He was in front maybe 50 yards sooner than I wanted but that’s not cost him in the end and I’m very proud of him.”

Madhmoon’s second is the best result Kevin Prendergast has enjoyed in the Derby, and the trainer added: “He ran a very good race. I’d have been delighted to have won it, but I’m very proud of him.”

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