Epsom Derby: Lambourn fulfils every expectation of Derby hero Wayne Lordan

A lot can happen in 24 hours – just ask Wayne Lordan. On Friday afternoon Oaks victory aboard Whirl was in sight, only to be denied late by Ryan Moore and Minnie Hauk.

A day later Betfred Derby glory was his when an inspired front-running ride aboard willing partner Lambourn turned the ultimate test into a formality.

However, the Lordan story does not begin and end within two days in June and when the 43-year-old was unshipped by San Antonio half a mile from home in the 2023 Irish Derby, some may have been forgiven for thinking that would be the end of his Classic dreams.

Lordan suffered fractures to his legs and elbow, as well as a nasty laceration to his arm in an incident which left him not only knocked out but spending eight months on the sidelines.

It is often said that loyalty is a two-way street and during his darkest days he knew he could count on Aidan O’Brien.

The master of Ballydoyle was ready and waiting to repay one of his most trusted lieutenants for years of service and when the moment came, Lordan delivered a sublime ride to provide O’Brien with a record-extending 11th winner of the premier Classic.

Wayne Lordan

“Racing is a tough game and lots of jockeys get injured and thankfully I had the support of Aidan and everybody at Coolmore to help you get back,” said Lordan.

“I suppose when you are coming back to ride horses like this it gives you an even stronger focus and I was lucky I had such a good job to come back to.

“I never wanted to be negative so always told myself I would be fine even when it was tough. I tried to stay focused and got in the gym and just told myself I would soon be back.”

When riding for O’Brien it is far from picking up scraps once Moore has had his say from the swelling team of Ballydoyle Classic prospects.

But for a man who had finished third for O’Brien aboard Japan (2019) and subsequent Irish Derby hero Los Angeles 12 months ago, there was only one colt for him this time around, as O’Brien explained.

“I knew there were two horses Wayne wanted to ride this weekend and once Ryan knew what he was going to ride, Lambourn and Whirl were the ones Wayne wanted,” said O’Brien.

“When I had been going round the yard in the evening the lads were telling me what was going on and I knew who he wanted which made it very easy for me to put him on.

“Wayne said to me coming out of the parade ring this horse is on fire today and that was before the race. He’s given him an unbelievable ride and he’s a special fellow.”

Stealing the show

With Moore and big-race favourite Delacroix only ninth and Irish champion Colin Keane and The Lion In Winter even further adrift, the stage was set for Lordan to steal the show and he had the perfect co-star for what was a spellbinding display in what is arguably still the biggest race of them all.

“He was the first string for me anyway, so I was happy,” explained Lordan.

“When you’re getting into racing, this is the race you always want to ride in. I’m lucky that I work for Aidan and get to ride good horses and get opportunities.

“I’ve run well in the Derby before and lost nothing in defeat, but I’m just glad today it worked out.

“I was happy once I passed the line, but there is always horses flying home here and yesterday I was thought I was going well then Ryan passed me in the last 50 yards.

“I knew the ones coming to get me would have to stay well and there was always chance they would, but thankfully my horse is a tough, genuine horse.”

Ballydoyle

After eight years of working for an operation created to thrive at Epsom in early June, Lordan’s winning ride was one perhaps honed to perfection at the Ballydoyle training centre of excellence.

Now he has his name etched forever on the long and distinguished roll of honour of the blue riband.

O’Brien explained: “Everything at Ballydoyle is about Epsom and this is how the thoroughbred breed is assessed every year.

“Everything at Ballydoyle is left-handed and every piece of work they do they practice going round our Tattenham Corner, even the sprinters.

“It’s the ultimate test really and it has to be that. It’s great for Wayne to win the Derby, he’s a massive part of our team and he rides so many of our big horses in work.

“He’s in every day and it’s a privilege to have him. He’s so straightforward and such a team player, but he can be ruthless when he has to be and he’s strong and determined.”

READ MORE: Epsom Derby – Lambourn leads them all a merry dance in the Derby