Champagne on Walker after Derby delight with C'est No Mour

The champagne producer's backing may have given way for the discount store but after seeing the pleasure top Corinthian rider Simon Walker gleaned from a second success in the Amateurs’ Derby Handicap, there is little doubt it is still the Flat race the non-professionals want to win above all others.

In its heyday, when backed by Moet & Chandon, the Amateurs’ Derby was the televised highlight of the August bank holiday. Those days have gone but victory in the Class 4 handicap now supported by Poundland aboard the Peter Hedger-trained C’est No Mour meant plenty to Walker, a rider with more than 800 winners to his name in the amateur ranks.

“All the amateurs want to ride in this race,” said the jockey, who last won the race with Hibiki in 2009. “If they can get a ride they will be here; it’s the best race of the year for us.”