Champion trainer Aidan O’Brien has claimed his 12th Irish Derby but not with the horse punters expected.
Capri beat the John Gosden-trained Cracksman with Epsom Derby winner and favourite Wings Of Eagles third with the margins a neck and a short head.
One of five runners for O’Brien, Capri, sixth at Epsom, dug deep for Seamie Heffernan as the three horses charged to the line.
“Seamus has been a part of our family for over 20 years now,” O’Brien said.
“He is an amazing fellow – talented, dedicated, loyal and an unbelievable rider.
“He had a choice how close he followed it (the pace) or not to follow it, and he knew all the fancied horses were behind him.
“It was a masterclass from him, really.”
O”Brien said Capri could now have a break with Highland Reel Coolmore’s likely runner in the King George.
