Latest News

It was a nail-biting finish to the classic Australian Derby as Levendi edged out Victoria Derby winner Ace High for a nose victory.

Find out what the jockeys made of their horses’ runs in the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Royal Randwick.

Mark Zahra (Levendi): “He is a beauty, he wanted to pull a little bit in the early parts but he switched off good and I just waited and waited and I knew Ace High would kick strong he is proven over the trip.

“I was just waiting and waiting and I couldn’t get in front of him but gee he has a big heart even last week he looms up and was strong late.

“I could feel when we both quickened there was no one else around it was a battle royale and the Gelagotis boys will be going mad I reckon.”

Levendi denies Ace High an historic double in the Group 1 Australian Derby at Royal Randwick

Tye Angland (Ace High): “Very brave, had a beautiful run through the race, rolled into at the right time, the horse behind us followed us through and got us on the line.”

Jason Waddell (Vin De Dance): “No comment.”

Opie Bosson (Mongolianconqueror): “He ran well, probably just a little bit weak this time in, but he’ll be better next preparation.”

Ben Melham (Capital Gain): “Just went a little bit keen in front.”

Glyn Schofield (Astoria): “No luck.”

Brenton Avdulla (Furore): “It was a bit of debacle, didn’t get in, we were basically nearly one-off going to the first bend, but everyone kept popping out that I was going around, he did a good job to stick on.”

Zac Purton (Salsamor): “Disappointing.”

Jason Collett (Weather With You): “Start proved costly.”

Corey Brown (The Lord Mayor): (Couldn’t make comment. Needed medical attention).

Crazy scenes after Levedi gets the verdict over Ace High! @gelagotisracing @hvasstan #TheChampionships pic.twitter.com/xSj2QvPf4A

— The Championships (@ChampionshipsRR) April 7, 2018

Damian Lane (Mission Hill): “He just never settled in the run so in turn he didn’t see out the trip.”

Damien Oliver (Endowment): “Had a nice run I think he has just come to the end of his preparation.”

Craig Williams (Mongolian Marshal): “I was really pleased, he only raced seven days ago and they’ve turned him out to run eighth in a very strong Derby.”

Blake Shinn (Main Stage): “That was an excellent performance by Main Stage, he had to work and face the breeze outside the leader and he stuck on very well.”

Craig Newitt (Condor): “He had a nice run third the fence, just got out-stayed late.”

Sam Clipperton (Pissaro): “Never in it.”

Check out the replays and results for Day 1 of The Championships at Royal Randwick