Epsom Derby 2004 Result

For the second year in a row the Michael Stoute and Kieren Fallon combination pulled off one the most difficult feats on the horse racing calendar by taking the Epson Derby 2004 with a true stayer in North Light.

Kieren knew he had the horse to stay on the prevailing testing conditions and made sure his mount was tracking the leaders all the way and kicked clear early in the straight. The opposition could only try and play catch up after that but all to no avail and in the end came out the undisputed winner. It was Fallon's third Derby win and the fourth for champion trainer Sir Michael Stoute - the pair also won last year's race on Kris Kin. Rule of Law was second with Let The Lion Roar third.

More than 120,000 people were at the famous course situated on the Epsom Downs to watch North Light clinch the £800,000 first prize. Kieren completed a fantastic weekend double by taking not only the Epsom derby but also was successful on Ouija Board in the oaks the previous day. The double Classic win marks a welcome change in fortune for Fallon, who is currently fighting newspaper allegations of race-fixing, which he strenuously denies.

Frankie Dettori, who was on the joint favourite Snow Ridge had threatened at one stage but whose challenge faded in the final furlong. Frankie is still awaiting his first winner in the Epsom Derby. North Light is owned by the late Lord Weinstock, whose famous colours were also carried to victory in the 1m 4f race 25 years ago when Troy won. Meath made most of the early running with Fallon keeping North Light handily placed in second. As the 14-strong field came into the home straight, North Light took up the running with Snow Ridge also making a move. But it was Snow Ridge's lesser-fancied stable mate, Rule of Law, ridden by Australian Kerrin McEvoy, whose late run cut down North Light's lead - but not enough to deny Fallon a famous victory. "I probably would have preferred it if they'd gone a shade quicker but when I hit the front I knew he would keep going," said Fallon.

"I couldn't hear the others coming - all the way down all you can hear is the crowd, but it's a fantastic feeling, especially when you're still in front as you're going to pull up!" "That was only his fourth-ever race and I am thrilled with him," said Stoute. "It is a shame Lord Weinstock isn't here, but the family are. It was an emotional day for the Weinstock family with his widow Netta collecting the trophy accompanied by her son Simon's widow, Laura, who said: "I got engaged to Simon 25 years ago on this day after Troy won the Derby for us."

Dettori was philosophical about drawing yet another blank in his 12th ride in the world's most famous Classic. "It is one of those things. I am a bit disappointed and have to wait another 12 months now," said the Italian jockey. "I don't know what it is about the Derby but it took Sir Gordon Richards 49 years to do it, so I hope it doesn't take me that long."