Racing Centre

Authorized this afternoon basking in the triumph of his Derby victory. Picture Mandy Davis. 

AFTER Cockney Rebel’s ‘home win’ in the Stan James 2000 Guineas, Newmarket has two more Classic successes to celebrate thanks to Light Shift and Authorized’s achievements at Epsom.

On Friday June 1 the Henry Cecil-trained filly Light Shift gave a brave display to land the Oaks. Twenty four hours later it was the turn of Authorized as he clinched victory in the Derby with a sensational display.

Trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam at St Gatien Stables close to the heart of the town, the colt gave Frankie Dettori - an adopted son of Newmarket(!) - his first ever win in the world famous race.

Authorized travelled supremely well for the Italian jockey and then quickened off a typically brisk Derby pace to run away with the race, eventually prevailing by five lengths.

Less than a week earlier Dettori had given a press conference at Newmarket’s NatWest Rowley Mile course where he outlined how dearly he would love to win the race.

At the 15^th attempt, Frankie finally fulfilled a career ambition and didn’t he savour the moment. Not the type to do things by halves, he followed up his Derby triumph by riding Lawman to victory in the French equivalent this afternoon at Chantilly.

Earlier in the day, the respective Chapple-Hyam and Cecil teams could be found basking in their respective victories.

Not surprisingly Derby hero Authorized was the focus for journalists, photographers and a television crew.

A short hop up Warren Hill and observers will have noticed a flag flying over Warren Place Stables. Depicting a family heirloom, the flag is raised by trainer Henry Cecil to mark a Group 1 success for the yard.

It is a sight always welcomed in Newmarket, no more so than at present with it representing a first Classic win in seven years for the Warren Place maestro.

What price now another Newmarket win in the year’s remaining Classic, the St Leger in September?

By Tony Rushmer