racing_news/

MUNRO GLEE AT ‘DERBY WIN’
06/07/05

Alan Munro may have finished second to Motivator on Walk In The Park at Epsom in the Vodafone Derby, but today he was celebrating a Derby winner after Arsene Rupin bagged a thrilling Group 1 Purebred Arabian success in the President Of The UAE Challenge Derby.

The four-year-old colt continued his progress when he stepped up on his recent Group Three win with a neck triumph from Aikido Vege as the judge was forced to rule on a four-way photo-finish.

Munro said: “He’s quite an exciting horse and wants to compete. He ran a little bit keen early on in this race and just needs a bit more cover.

“He took the lead when there was still two-and-a-half furlongs left and, when he was challenged, he responded bravely. He’s a tough horse. I’m delighted ...and it’s nice to win a Derby!”

The horse is unbeaten this year following this his third victory of the term.

THE President of the UAE International Challenge Derby
1) Arsene Rupin
2) Aikido Verge
3) Al Sabeq
4) Muneef
5) Malik D’Or
6) Al Jalfane
7) Hasna De Faust

Time: 2 min 17.41 sec
Distances: nk, sh, hd, 9, sh, 12

Winning Owner: The Day In Toulouse Partnership
Winning Trainer: Miss G Ward
Winning Jockey: Alan Munro