Epsom Derby news: Richard Kingscote's Classic dream alive with Desert Crown
- Tom Reed
- 13 May 2022
Richard Kingscote has often had to play second fiddle riding Sir Michael Stoute horses but he has landed an excellent Epsom Derby ride in Desert Crown who romped to victory in the Dante at York.
Jockey Richard Kingscote took a gamble when he left Tom Dascombe to take a role with Sir Michael Stoute but it's one that has paid off with the rider landing the plum seat on Epsom Derby favourite Desert Crown.
Sir Michael Stoute's three-year-old cruised to victory in the Al Basti Equiworld-sponsored Dante at York on Thursday, pushing to the front of the queue for the Derby betting.
For once, Kingscote wasn't playing second fiddle to lead Stoute rider Ryan Moore and can approach the Derby on June 4 with real confidence.
"He was very relaxed, I got him into a nice rhythm, we moved well into the straight and he did everything I asked him, I was pleased," said Kingscote.
"It's still early days for him, but after a performance like that you hope things can be exciting. Of course Ryan's horse in Ireland (Stone Age) was very impressive and going to a Derby is always going to be difficult.
"Horses are all individuals and sometimes you can think they are going to improve a lot and they don't quite improve as much as you would think.
"He's done well from two to three, I was taken with how well he's filled out and they've done a great job with him.
"Absolutely this is exciting for me and I'm in a very privileged position to be able to work under Sir Michael and Ryan, I've been lucky Ryan had one in the race today and people were nice enough to let me on. Fortunately I delivered on that so I'm very pleased."
Despite being a veteran rider, Kingscote has only had one ride in the Derby which didn't go well and now he has a chance to make amends.
"I've had one ride in the Derby for Harry Dunlop who had won the Lingfield Derby Trial (Knight To Behold in 2018). It was no good, it didn't go so well (11th of 12)," he said.
"I was in front a long time today so I think we can forgive him drifting to his right so I'm not totally concerned about that.
"I've no issue about going up in trip, he ran right through the line and is very relaxed so he's answered quite a few questions and has done it in a likeable manner."
đź‘‘ Heavy is the head that wears the crown
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 12, 2022
Desert Crown stamps his mark on the Derby picture with a brilliant performance in the @ABE_Dubai Dante Stakes to maintain his unbeaten record & provide Sir Michael Stoute with a seventh win in the contest @RKingscote | @yorkracecourse pic.twitter.com/2bpokKagZw
