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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sports Staff

Masar wins the 2018 Derby after the favourite Saxon Warrior falters

16-1 shot Masar caused an upset in Derby ( PA )

Godolphin's royal blue silks were carried to victory in the Investec Derby for the first time as Masar caused a 16-1 upset at Epsom.

Beaten into third in the 2000 Guineas by Saxon Warrior, Charlie Appleby's colt well and truly turned the tables on Aidan O'Brien's favourite who saw his Triple Crown dreams go up in smoke.

Mark Johnston's Dee Ex Bee stuck on for a game second a length and a half behind William Buick on the winner, with Dante Stakes winner Roaring Lion in third.

Saxon Warrior could only finish fourth after meeting trouble in running.

Appleby said: "It's not sunk in yet. It still feels a dream. I'm delighted for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed. Firstly for giving me the position to be here. I've always said when I started this job I wanted to be the first person to have a Derby winner in Godolphin blue.

(Getty Images)

"It's a fantastic team effort, Brett Doyle rides him every day and has been sweet on him since the Guineas. He said he would stay and William has given him a peach of a ride. The last 100 yards felt a long way! It's just great. To have a Derby winner for Godolphin is fantastic."

Buick said: "This is huge, it's massive. I've come close a couple of times, I think I've had seven or eight rides and while I know people have had more without winning I was wondering if my time was ever going to come.

"He stayed the trip, he travelled beautifully. The Guineas didn't happen for him, but he's a very good horse and the team believed in him. Since I wanted to be a jockey this was the day I was dreaming of."

Godolphin founder Sheikh Mohammed said: "It's not easy to win the Derby, but we have won it. We are pleased to be here today.

"Charlie Appleby is a very good trainer and the horse came from Dubai. I was jumping up and down in the final furlong. Horses are in my blood, I love them."

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