Epsom: Pour Moi gets up to win English Derby in a thriller

Pour Moi came from last to trigger a series of firsts Saturday at Epsom, winning the English Derby by a head over Treasure Beach in a thrilling edition of the race.

Pour Moi’s victory gave legendary trainer Andre Fabre the first Epsom Derby win of his career, while the young jockey Mickael Barzalona won the Derby with his first mount in the race. The win was the first by a French-trained horse since 1976.

Pour Moi was among the favorites in a 13-horse field, but he appeared to have little chance to win the Derby even a furlong from the finish. Last for much of the 1 1/2-mile, left-handed race, Pour Moi still was several lengths from the lead at the furlong pole while rallying determinedly on the outside. Treasure Beach had overtaken pacesetting Memphis Tennessee, and appeared to be on the way to victory before a final surge from Pour Moi carried him home. The margin was narrow, but Barzalona knew he had won, standing high in the stirrups a stride past the finish while holding high his left hand, a celebration that drew a warning from stewards, who also handed Barzalona a one-day suspension for excessive use of his crop. That was a small price to pay for landing the top prize in a $2.05 million race among the most prestigious in the world. Pour Moi, an Irish-bred by Montjeu out of Gwynn by Darshaan, is owned by Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derek Smith. He has won 3 of 5 starts, and instantly became one of the favorites for the Prix de l’Arc d’Triomphe this fall.

Three-quarters of a length behind Treasure Beach came Carlton House, who ran well despite a physical setback early in the week and trouble turning into the stretch.Memphis Tennessee held on for fourth.