Seamie Heffernan admits he was running out of time to ride a Derby winner

Seamie Heffernan feared he was running out of time to win the Investec Derby before Anthony Van Dyck's success, which he has described as the highlight of his career.

The jockey's joy at breaking his Derby duck sharply contrasted with the feelings of Chris Hayes, who described himself as feeling "sick" on Saturday evening after finishing second on Madhmoon at Epsom

Heffernan, 46, has been part of the Ballydoyle team since 1996 and ridden 30 Group 1 winners, all of them for Aidan O’Brien.

Anthony Van Dyck was his 13th ride in the Derby and reflecting on the victory for the son of Galileo, Heffernan said: “I’ve been very fortunate to ride so many big-race winners but the Derby is the race every jockey wants to win, and to do so after years of trying means an awful lot.

“I had twice finished second in the race, on Fame And Glory and At First Sight, and also finished third in it on Idaho. I suppose I was running out of time as far as winning the Derby is concerned, so it’s very special to have done it.

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

“I’m very grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given by Aidan and all the owners over the years.”

While Heffernan was able to savour victory at Epsom, Hayes was left to wonder what might have been as he went to bed on Saturday after claiming second on Madhmoon, half a length behind Anthony Van Dyck.

It was nearly a perfect start for the jockey, who was having his first Derby ride, and, speaking at Listowel on Sunday, he said: "I was still a bit sick to be honest with you but I was very proud of the team and the horse and I am just privileged that I got the opportunity to ride a horse like him in the Derby.

"A furlong out I knew I was going to beat Ryan [Moore, on Sir Dragonet] but he just got a little bit unbalanced. I would have loved to shut the door on Seamie but he might have beaten me anyway."

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby on June 29 is the next likely target for Anthony Van Dyck, whose stablemate Sir Dragonet particularly pleased O'Brien with his fifth-placed finish, less than a length behind the winner.

Speaking at Chantilly on Sunday, O’Brien said about the beaten Derby favourite: "Sir Dragonet ran an incredible race and will have a learned a lot. He was a baby going into the race and he’s a horse to really look forward to for the rest of the season."

Of his Investec Oaks runner-up Pink Dogwood, O’Brien said: “She seems to be fine and we were delighted with her. She might have an easy time of things for a little while and maybe go for something like the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh at the end of the month."

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