Adayar and Adam Kirby wrote their names into racing history with an emphatic and emotional victory in the Cazoo Derby at Epsom.
Jockey Kirby, who was originally due to ride John Leeper before being replaced by Frankie Dettori, showed both experience and bravery to guide Adayar through the narrowest of gaps up the rail in a key moment on the way to victory.
A hugely popular and respected member of the weighing room, Kirby was clearly very emotional as he celebrated across the finishing line.
Speaking to ITV the rider commented “I went a bit weak on him in the final half-furlong. I couldn’t believe it. All I could think was my mother would be watching. That made me a bit sad but she’d have been so happy.”ππππ²ππ« and Adam Kirby win the Cazoo Derby πππ#ITVRacing #TheDerby pic.twitter.com/afSzlVxMN9
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) June 5, 2021
"All I could think of was my mother, she would be watching me, she'd be happy."
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) June 5, 2021
Adam Kirby spoke after his incredible win in the Cazoo Derby π#ITVRacing #DerbyDay pic.twitter.com/PHVnHtDbwc
Appleby thrilled for Kirby
Trainer Charlie Appleby, who was winning the Derby for the second time, was quick to praise the rider in the immediate aftermath. The Godolphin handler commenting, “I’m delighted for Adam. He gave him a fantastic ride and he was hungry to achieve this.”
