Irish Derby among options for shock Derby runner-up Mojo Star

Richard Hannon is predicting a bright future for 50-1 Cazoo Derby runner-up Mojo Star, with the Irish equivalent at the Curragh on June 26 among the colt's big-race options.

The decision to run the maiden in Flat racing's most prestigious contest was fully justified as the son of Sea The Stars belied his huge price by beating all bar Adayar at Epsom on Saturday.

Connections could conceivably drop down in class for a maiden, but Hannon is eager to keep Mojo Star, who finished second in two Newbury maidens in October and last month, in the highest company.

"We're delighted with how he ran and it didn't come as a surprise to me as we've always thought a lot of him," said Hannon on Monday. "He was a little bit caught for room turning Tattenham Corner and was struck into, but he's come out of the race fine. He had a canter this morning and moved great.

"He's got a massive future and will improve for it in many ways. There are a lot of nice options and we haven't discussed them yet. We'll choose our next step carefully, but it could well be the Irish Derby. There's also the King George, and he's in the Arc."

Kia Joorabchian: owner of Derby runner-up Mojo StarCredit: Alex Livesey (Getty Images)

Hannon, who has excelled with milers, recorded his best finish in the Derby with Mojo Star, who races for football super agent Kia Joorabchian under his emerging Amo Racing banner.

"He's very pleased," said Hannon of Joorabchian. "The horse is named after his father [Mohammed] so it means a lot to him. He's always looked a little bit different and it's slightly new ground for us, but we've loved him since the day he came in."

Derby result, replay and analysis

The trainer also drew great satisfaction from Oh This Is Us at Epsom on Saturday after the eight-year-old stable favourite rallied gamely to register a career-best victory in the Group 3 Diomed Stakes.

"He's a star – he always has been and always will be – and he'll have a box here forever," said the trainer. "He's an absolute hero and is my favourite horse.

"He's in the Royal Hunt Cup and now he's won a Group 3, things are going to get a lot harder."

Read more fallout from the Derby:

'The most impressive winner since Golden Horn' – our experts' Derby assessments

'It's mad, it's crazy' – Adam Kirby revels in breakthrough Classic on Adayar

The dramatic moment when Adam Kirby and brave Adayar secured Derby glory

Follow your favourites with our amazing Horse Tracker feature. Add up to 1,000 horses to your stable, filter them and keep up to date with automatic email alerts. Join Members' Club Ultimate now and never miss a winner again!