All quiet at Epsom – for more reason than one

Horse Racing

Derby day behind closed doors unlikely to be forgotten.

It was billed as a Derby like no other, so perhaps in this strangest of years it is only fitting there was another twist in the tale at Epsom on Saturday.

Coronavirus protocols ensured no crowds for the Investec-backed feature, but it is likely there would not have been too much cheering anyway as Serpentine, a 25-1 chance, led home 50-1 and 66-1 shots in Khalifa Sat and Amhran Na Bhfiann for a tricast that paid the best part of GBP 56,000.

While the identity of the winner was a shock, the name of his trainer – Aidan O’Brien – was certainly not, as the Ballydoyle handler landed a record eighth win in the race.

Here PA reflects in pictures on Epsom’s very own ‘Super Saturday’…

Derby day but not as we know it - empty stands that would usually be packed with racegoers
Derby day, but not as we know it – empty stands that would usually be packed with racegoers (David Davies/PA)

The race was due to be run last month and to ensure it could go ahead, strict security was employed on the Downs
The race was due to be run last month and to ensure it could go ahead, strict security was employed on the Downs (Edward Whitaker)

There is still nothing like an Epsom winner though, and Twaasol (left) ensured Martin Harley got Derby day off to a flyer in the Woodcote
There is still nothing like an Epsom winner though, and Twaasol (left) ensured Martin Harley got Derby day off to a flyer in the Woodcote (Bill Selwyn)

On what was a great day not at the office for O'Brien, 1000 Guineas winner Love hosed up in the Investec Oaks
On what was a great day not at the office for O’Brien, 1000 Guineas winner Love hosed up in the Investec Oaks (Megan Ridgwell)

Love returned in splendid isolation - both during and after the race
Love returned in splendid isolation – both during and after the race (Edward Whitaker)

And so on to the main event, socially-distanced briefings the order of the day before the Investec Derby
And so on to the main event, socially-distanced briefings the order of the day before the Investec Derby (David Davies/PA)

Emmet McNamara and Serpentine certainly got the message, as they blazed a trail for an all-the-way Derby verdict
Emmet McNamara and Serpentine certainly got the message, as they blazed a trail for an all-the-way Derby verdict (Bill Selwyn)

Sure there were no crowds, but Emmet McNamara will never forget this particular trophy presentation
Sure there were no crowds, but Emmet McNamara will never forget this particular trophy presentation (Megan Ridgwell)

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