O'Brien at a loss over Bolshoi Ballet's defeat following 'lifeless' display

A demolition by his filly in the Oaks was followed a day later by disappointment for Aidan O'Brien after his sole runner in the Cazoo Derby, Bolshoi Ballet, weakened to finish seventh as the 11-8 favourite.

Attempting to go clear as the winningmost trainer of British Classics in history after drawing level with John Scott's record of 40 successes at a drenched Epsom on Friday, O'Brien was left to wonder whether the underfoot conditions which had helped propel Snowfall to her 16-length victory had undermined his Derby favourite.

"He raced lifeless," O'Brien said. "He wants nice ground, but that's the way it is. I don't think it was stamina. He was just lifeless and whether that's the ground or not I don't know.