Sovereign springs 33/1 shock in Irish Derby

Sovereign sprang a 33/1 shock in today's Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby when leading home another clean sweep for Aidan O'Brien in the Curragh classic.

Padraig Beggy claimed his second Derby success having also been in the saddle when Wings Of Eagles won at 40/1 at Epsom two years ago.

Sovereign made every post a winning one in today's mile-and-a-half feature and had his rivals struggling turning for home.

The son of Galileo kicked on from nearest pursuer Norway passing the two pole and kept up the gallop to the line to record a six-length success.

Epsom winner Anthony Van Dyck sent off the 5/4 favourite, stayed on to take the runner-up spot without troubling the winner.

Sovereign had also made the running at Epsom but weakened in the closing stages having been headed three furlongs out.

Sovereign doesn't see another rival as he springs a huge surprise in the @DDFRacing Irish Derby! @curraghrace #DDFIrishDerby

Results âž¡ https://t.co/glajGV55GR pic.twitter.com/9GE3g3SIZU

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) June 29, 2019

“They were all there and they were all trying their best,” said O'Brien.

“It was all very straight forward. Everyone knew Padraig was going to lead and Seamus was going to follow him. He's a very honest-to-god horse.

“The race maybe unfolded a little bit unusually. What happened was that Donnacha's horse missed the break, he came out very slow, and everyone might have expected him to fill the third position.

“Then Kevin decided to take up that position. The lads had a nice lead but they were still close enough.

“Padraig set perfect fractions, increased it from halfway and he wasn't for stopping.

“This horse had a very good run last year when Donnacha rode him in the Beresford ahead of Japan.

“He won his maiden by ten lengths in Galway before that and it was always there. He's a Galileo and when they start galloping they usually don't stop.

“I'm delighted for Padraig and everyone involved with him.

“It was going to be a solid race. It was going to be a full mile-and-half and this track lends itself to that.

“They have to get the trip. This place is very uncomplicated and there is nowhere to hide out there.

“The winner is a staying horse and he's going to stay well. He won't mind going the Leger trip.

“He's a great solid horse to have because he'll jump and he'll go along in any kind of a good race.

“He could go to the King George or go to Grand Prix de Paris in France and then could have a break and go to the Leger.

“He's a solid horse and very uncomplicated. Padraig gave him a great ride.

“Ryan's horse ran very well. He was the only horse to chase after him but probably Padraig was gone at the time.

“I thought he ran very well. We were going to decide with him after this whether we go to the Grand Prix de Paris or the King George.

“I'd say they are still options as there was nothing wrong with the run.

“Broome never got going at all.”

Padraig Beggy said:- “I’m over the moon. This would be more important to me (than the Epsom Derby) as an Irishman, the Irish Derby.

“I served my time with Kevin Prendergast just up the road and this was the race that you grew up wanting to win. That was my main aim as an apprentice.

“I’m just very, very lucky that I’ve won the English and the Irish Derby. That is down to a big group of people but I would have to say mainly Aidan O’Brien to put me on. Aidan would give you confidence and that helps.

“I just got into a lovely comfortable rhythm and I felt like I could go quicker all through the race. My horse really enjoyed here, a big galloping track.

“I knew I was after quickening and lengthening up the straight. I did think that something would be coming to me, and when I was close enough to have a peep at the big screen I knew I was clear. I just said 'keep him organised to the line now, you’ve won'. Dreams come true!

“It will take a while to sink in. Two things I set out as a kid to achieve were the Irish Derby and the English Derby, so that’s not too bad!”

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)