Tuesday 13 May 2003
Alamshar maintained his unbeaten status in this major Derby trial, shortly after Dalakhani had achieved the same feat in his own trial for the French Derby, the Prix Lupin, at Longchamp the same day.
Three lengths adrift of The Great Gatsby coming into the straight, Alamshar quickened well to take the lead coming into the last furlong, and rallied to the line, repelling a strong challenge from the long time leader.
Alamshar’s victory came in spite of a fraught week leading up to the race, where his participation in the race was in doubt until the last minute, due to an abscess on his foot.
Trainer John Oxx confirmed this after the race, commenting: “The abscess certainly didn’t help but, to his credit, he is a horse who just does enough and he did battle.”
Jockey Johnny Murtagh added: “I’m happy. The conditions were no help, with rain driving down and hitting the horses head on in the straight, and don’t forget Alamshar hasn’t had a good week leading up to the race.”
Epsom Derby bound Alamshar is by Key Of Luck, out of Alaiyda, a winner and the only daughter of Aliysa.
