Lambourn makes all the running to give Aidan O'Brien yet another triumph in the Derby

An uncomplicated horse ridden by an uncomplicated jockey proved an irrepressible combination in the 246th Betfred Derby, as Lambourn and Wayne Lordan eclipsed 17 rivals in sensational fashion.

It was a matter of when rather than if the rain would arrive at Epsom, but the first rumbles came from Lambourn and Lordan on Derby day as they came thundering around Tattenham Corner with all guns blazing.

Making all the running is hardly the recognised way to win a Derby, but Lambourn floated downhill and into the home straight and, while the likes of eventual runner-up Lazy Griff and the strong-travelling Midak at one stage or another looked poised to challenge, they never managed to get within striking distance of the winner.

Lordan, in the twilight of his career at the age of 43, bided his time as long as he dared to in the straight, but when he started to turn the screw on Lambourn it was clear his partner had plenty in reserve.

As his stride lengthened, Lambourn's lead extended and at the most important winning post in racing he had three and three-quarter lengths to spare over Lazy Griff.

Lambourn (right): never saw another rival

Lambourn (right) never sees another rival on his way to victory Credit: AFP via Getty Images

"He's a lovely genuine horse, but when I jumped out I was anxious to get him out and into his stride because I know he stays well," said Lordan. "He was enjoying it in front and in a good rhythm.

"I just wanted to see the three-furlong pole so I could get going on him because I knew whatever was going to go by me would have to deserve to get by me and stay. When I got a flick into him passing the two he went forward and I knew that if I gave him another one he’d go forward again. He was still galloping strong in that last furlong."

A mainstay of the weighing room in Ireland, Lordan joined the Ballydoyle fold eight years ago and has been an important ally for Lambourn's trainer Aidan O'Brien, twice landing the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket in that time on O'Brien-trained fillies who had been overlooked by Ryan Moore.

He was forced to spend eight months on the sidelines after being knocked unconscious from a fall in the 2023 Irish Derby, having to recover from fractures to his legs and elbow, but knowing there was always the possibility a horse like Lambourn might come along meant, in his own mind at least, he was going return to the saddle.

"I had a lot of tests to pass and it took me eight months to get back," he relived. "That’s how long the recovery took for me and only at the end of January did they give me the go-ahead. If the doctor had decided I wasn’t going to be able to take another fall, that would have probably been it.

"It’s a tough game and a lot of the lads go through it. Thankfully I was the lucky one who overcame it and came back. I had the support of Aidan and everyone at Coolmore to help me get back. I suppose when you're getting back to ride horses like that, your focus is even stronger."

Lambourn was chased home again by Chester Vase runner-up Lazy Griff

Lambourn is chased home again by Chester Vase runner-up Lazy Griff (light blue) Credit: AFP via Getty Images

O'Brien revealed that Lordan had been champing at the bit to ride both Friday's narrow Oaks runner-up Whirl and Lambourn heading into the Derby meeting, and victory for the latter clearly came as a surprise to no-one at Ballydoyle.

"Wayne rides him in all his work and, after his last piece, he told me he's absolutely there," said O'Brien, who was winning the Derby for a record-extending 11th time.

"He knew exactly what this horse was and what he was capable of doing and the word in our place was that Wayne wanted to ride the filly [Whirl] and him.

"Wayne is a massive part of the team. He's there every day and it's a privilege for us to have a man like him. He's so straightforward and never offends anybody, but he's ruthless when he has to be. He's an unbelievable fella; so uncomplicated and so committed."

O'Brien went on to use similar words to sum up his latest Derby winner, who for a second time completed a clean sweep of the three Group 1s at the Classic meeting for his trainer.

"This horse is uncomplicated, genuine and committed," said O'Brien. "He always has been and Ryan loved him when he won at Chester, but he can't ride them all.

"Wayne went forward and every inch he got he was going to keep. He wasn't going to give it back and Wayne got the fractions 100 per cent perfect."

O'Brien said the Irish Derby would be the likely next stop for Lambourn and, while Lordan might have to make way for Moore at the Curragh, he proved the perfect partner when it mattered most of all.

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