Epsom Derby 2001 Result

The 2001 Epsom Derby witnessed one of the greatest winners of the legendary race. The Aidan O'Brien trained Galileo swept around Tattenham Corner and into the record books as the second fastest winner of the Derby, less than two seconds behind Lammtarra's record display of 1995.

The main opposition came in the form of the 2000 Guineas winner Golan, which had vied with Galileo for favouritism all week. The only other serious contender came in the form of Tobougg, partnered by Frankie Dettori. Sired by the high-class miler Barathea, Tobougg became the subject of a sustained gamble, reflected in its odds being reduced from 20/1 to the starting price of just 9/1.

The huge Epsom crowd were not to be disappointed with the 2001-racing spectacle, an almost deafening roar from the crowd greeted Galileo as he flashed past the winning line, three and a half lengths in front of Golan. Mick Kinane who had partnered Galileo described him as 'the best Derby horse he had ever ridden' and Aidan O'Brien described Galileo as 'extraordinary, a superstar and a very special horse'.

Despite the fact that one of the joint favourites won, the bookmaking industry was certainly not upset with the winner, with a spokesman for William Hil stating the largest payout had been on Tobougg finishing third. Epsom Derby Betting turnover was estimated in the region of fifty million pounds, television audiences increased substantially and Epsom enjoyed its largest crowds for almost thirty years.