Fireworks no bother as 'cool as a cucumber' Desert Crown returns to Newmarket

Yellow and blue balloons in the colours of owner Saeed Suhail festooned Desert Crown's stable when the Derby winner arrived home at Freemason Lodge in Newmarket on Saturday night.

The son of Nathaniel stretched his unbeaten run to three when he powered clear of Hoo Ya Mal and Westover to give trainer Sir Michael Stoute a sixth Derby winner.

Desert Crown returned home just after 9pm with Potapova, who finished second in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes, Boss Power and work rider Glen McGee.

McGee said: "He travelled back like he travelled in the race – absolutely first class. I've ridden him most days and I always hoped he could win like that, but he's not been off the bridle much at home.

"It's fantastic for the team here and well done to Sir Michael."

Desert Crown dominates to provide Sir Michael Stoute with super sixth Derby win

The pre-Derby fireworks at Epsom were a significant talking point after the race but Steve Carroll, who drove the horsebox and was down at the start with Desert Crown, said the colt was unbothered by the festivities.

Carroll said: "You could hear the fireworks all right and we copped most of the smoke, but this fellow was as cool as a cucumber."

Desert Crown became the first favourite to win the Derby since Golden Horn in 2015, who went on that season to win the Coral-Eclipse, Irish Champion Stakes and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Similar options over ten and 12 furlongs are on the cards for Desert Crown, who hold entries in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, which looks an unlikely route, and the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on September 10.

Read more:

Did we see a superstar in the Derby? Racing Post experts' view

'It's surreal - lots of good jockeys don't ride in the Derby let alone win it'

'I didn't know why he was that price' - owner proud of 150-1 Derby runner-up

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