Tapis Libre outpoints Epsom rivals again for an emotional family success

He's not Yeats but to his connections he probably means just as much.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained great made the Gold Cup his own and now Tapis Libre has secured his own corner of fame by landing Epsom's Ladies' Derby four times too.

The 10-year-old's latest success on Thursday night was his third in a row to add to a victory in 2013, and Joanna Mason has been on board for all four.

Result, replay and analysis

She said: "He's owned by my mum and the Laura Mason Syndicate. He was syndicated out last year when my sister was really ill and we were told she wasn't going to make it. She pulled through and so we got the syndicate together and named it after my sister.

Joanna Mason: victory meant a lotCredit: Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"They have four horses now and this is their first win as a syndicate. My cousin trains the horse and her brother is here leading it up. Mick Easterby is my grandfather. It's a big family affair. Grandad supports us and gives us advice – even when you don't want it!”

To the untrained eye Tapis Libre, trained by Jacqueline Coward, appeared to be struggling during much of the contest for lady amateur riders run over the 1m4f Derby course.

But those familiar with the veteran knew he would be staying on at the business end and were not disappointed as he wore down leader Ravenous in the last 75 yards.

Mason added: "He's so genuine and he loves the course here. I knew they'd gone a good gallop and from the furlong to the finish is a little bit of a pull and he just battled on.

"It's the ups, the downs and round – he loves it. It's a testing course and he's a galloper, it's brilliant. Hopefully you'll see him again next year."

You might also be interested in:

Amateur riders' first names to be introduced on racecards

Fuller turns professional after ending campaign with second amateur crown

Corinthian spirit: the amateur jockeys who beat the professionals