Robin Oakley

The Derby was a game of musical saddles

Adam Kirby’s victory on Adayar wrenched backwards the fickle finger of fortune

Adam Kirby rides Adayar to victory by four lengths in the Derby [Photo: John Walton-Pool/Getty Images]

We all know it takes courage to win races over jumps, along with athleticism, stamina and speed. But you need courage to win on the Flat too and Adayar showed that in abundance winning this year’s Derby. The aerial shots show vividly the moment, two furlongs from the finish, when early leader Gear Up moved fractionally away from the rail.

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