Haggas set to end Derby exile after Our Channel’s trial victory
TRAINER William Haggas’s 18-year wait for a second bite at the Investec Derby is over after Our Channel, ridden by Ryan Moore, earned a place in the line-up with victory in yesterday’s Epsom trial.
Haggas’s only previous Derby runner, Shaamit, won the 1996 race and his latest hope, owned by Abdulla Al Mansoori, held on for a narrow victory from Marzocco and Stars Over The Sea.
Maureen Haggas, wife of the Newmarket-based trainer, said: “We’ve not had another runner since Shaamit. We’ve tried, we just haven’t had any good enough, or it hasn’t worked out.
“At least this horse seems to be improving. I’m not sure he’ll stay [the distance], but there’s only one Derby and I don’t imagine he’ll run again before then.”
Our Channel has been installed as a 66/1 shot to win the Derby on 7 June, with Australia 9/4 favourite.