Lammtarra

Lammtarra's amazing Derby triumph in 1995 was one of the most memorable performances in recent times. Alex Scott had trained the son of Nijinsky as a two year old, making only one start, winning the Washington Singer Stakes at Newbury. In September 1994 Scott was tragically killed and the colt was sent to join the Godolphin operation, to be trained by Saeed bin Suroor as a three year old.

Because of sickness through the early months of the year, Lammtarra almost never made the Derby and when appearing at Epsom it was his first run for 302 days. The 2000 Guineas winner Pennekamp dominated the market at 11/8; Spectrum was priced as second favourite at 11/4, with Lammtarra available at 14/1.

As the field rounded Tattenham Corner, Lammtarra was stuck on the rails towards the rear of the field. Only finding room to manoeuvre with two furlongs left, the champion came to life under Walter Swinburn. Lammtarra accelerated in devastating fashion making up over six lengths on the leader Tamure in the last furlong and a half. Once in front there could only be one result, Lammtarra won going away by a length. The official time for the race was an astounding two minutes 32.23 seconds, which is still the quickest ever running of the Derby.

Lammtarra only raced twice after Epsom, winning the King George and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot and then headed for Paris and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Frankie Dettori had replaced Walter Swinburn following the Derby and the young Italian gave him the perfect ride. Lammtarra hit the front almost two furlongs from home and fought of all challengers to record a historic victory. It was a fitting end to the colt's racing career, he was sent to Stud unbeaten with a massive value.