How the Queen got the beers in for Peter Chapple-Hyam after Derby glory

Dual Derby-winning trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam has recalled the second of his Epsom victories courtesy of Authorized as "the perfect Derby" – right down to the Queen even remembering his drink of choice.

Chapple-Hyam was speaking to the Racing Post for a major interview in Sunday's newspaper, in which he opens up with remarkable candour about how mental illness derailed his career in the aftermath of Authorized's 2007 triumph.

By that time Chapple-Hyam had already won the Derby once, as a relatively novice trainer in just his second season with a licence with Dr Devious in 1992.

"I remember when Dr Devious won it was very hot and I was sweating profusely," recalled Chapple-Hyam, "so when she asked if I'd like a glass of champagne, I said I'd love a cold beer. They sent out for a beer and when it came back it was boiling. She asked me why I wasn't drinking it, and I said: 'It's very warm, ma'am.'"

'She asked me why I wasn't drinking it, and I said: 'It's very warm, ma'am.''

Fifteen years on Chapple-Hyam returned with red-hot favourite Authorized, the Racing Post Trophy and Dante Stakes winner who lined up at 5-4 and would end Frankie Dettori's long wait for a Derby winner.

"With Dr Devious I was hopeful but I knew Authorized would win," said Chapple-Hyam, "so the race went as I expected. He cantered home by five lengths, I did a quick interview with Clare Balding, then went up to meet the Queen.

"So this time, fair play to her, she said: 'I know what you want, Peter: a nice, cold beer.' And they had one waiting for me. How good was that? And by the time I came down the stairs, Frankie was surrounded and I walked straight past, went to the car, drove home, met Ed Vaughan, David Simcock and a couple of others for a beer and collapsed into bed at about half eight. It was the perfect Derby."

Read more from Peter Chapple-Hyam in The Big Read, available in Sunday's newspaper or online for Members' Club Ultimate subscribers from 6pm on Saturday. Click here to sign up.

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