'Once in a lifetime' - Kingscote revels in Epsom glory a day on from Derby dream

Epsom hero Richard Kingscote on Sunday relived the spine-tingling feeling of winning Saturday's Cazoo Derby on Desert Crown and said he was treating the career-defining moment as a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.

Kingscote, 35, was having only his second ride in the Derby but showed he belonged on the biggest stage with a cool display on the Sir Michael Stoute-trained 5-2 favourite, who travelled powerfully into contention before storming home for an emphatic success.

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

Reflecting on the magical day on a hectic Sunday morning before winning on both his rides at Goodwood, Kingscote said: "It's a huge achievement. During the day you forget it's a Classic and just how big it is, but it's a big deal. When I crossed the line, the public to my left were shouting well done and it gave me a tingle down my spine.

"I was in bed at 9.30 last night and even though I was knackered, I couldn't sleep. I've got so many messages, I can't get through them all, but it's nice that people have taken the time to send them.

"You always hope there may be another time, but it could be a once in a lifetime and I'll enjoy it. I never really expected I'd be winning a Derby until the last few weeks. I've been confident in the horse the last few weeks, without wanting to get my hopes up."

After starting to ride more frequently for Stoute as back-up to Ryan Moore last year, Kingscote has partnered the unbeaten Desert Crown on all three of his starts.

Following the colt's brilliant comeback win in the Dante Stakes, he was entrusted with the ride at Epsom and repaid the faith by emulating Walter Swinburn, Kieren Fallon and Moore in winning the Derby for Stoute.

"I never got a vibe that I wouldn't ride him but I have no expectation at all that he's my ride," said Kingscote.

"Nobody is under any obligation to put me up as I'm not retained by anybody and I'm fortunate that I was the one on board. The arrangement is that they are Ryan's rides and when he's busy I can ride them.

Richared Kingscote returns triumphant on Desert Crown on just his second ride in the DerbyCredit: Edward Whitaker

"I've been fortunate that I've landed in a good position and things have gone well. Riding any winner for Sir Michael gives me a huge confidence boost, so to be able to win one of the biggest races in the world for him is pretty special."

Kingscote, the son of a builder with a love of motorbikes and tattoos, took great satisfaction from celebrating the famous victory with his wife Ashleigh, two sons Seb (9) and William (6), and father Bryan.

"It was very nice that my wife and kids were there as well as my dad, who was very nervous," he said. "It makes me more nervous when they come but my wife did a good job looking after everyone yesterday and I was able to concentrate on doing what I had to do."

Kingscote easily eclipsed his previous biggest success in the 2014 Irish St Leger on Brown Panther and there is the promise of much more to come on Desert Crown, who has the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes on July 23 among his options.

"He looks to have an exciting future and it's lovely to ride a horse of his calibre," said Kingscote. "He was very relaxed and you couldn't have asked for a nicer ride. I probably still got going a bit too early, but he showed great gears and was on song."

'He's a top-class three-year-old' - Cazoo Derby performances analysed

Desert Crown, who was cut to 3-1 favourite (from 12) for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe by William Hill after the Derby, looks certain to feature in the King George entries when they close on Tuesday and received a free entry into the Irish Derby on June 25 courtesy of his Epsom triumph.

Bruce Raymond, racing manager to Desert Crown's owner Saeed Suhail, said: "The horse has come back okay and everything is fine with him. I think the more racing he has, the faster he will get, and he can go a mile and a quarter and mile and a half.

"I haven't discussed it with Sir Michael, but he'll definitely get an entry in the King George and there's also the Irish Derby. I wouldn't have thought he'd take up the entry he has at Royal Ascot in the King Edward VII Stakes."

Suhail, a Dubai businessman, celebrated his second Derby victory, having won the race with the Stoute-trained Kris Kin in 2003.

"He's been very lucky – people don't buy Derby winners but he's bought two and a Guineas winner in King's Best," said Raymond.

"He enjoys his racing and although he isn't over here very often, he comes for the big meetings. He's very passionate and has a good memory for form."

Read more:

'It was a silly thing to do' - Adam Kirby critical of pre-Derby fireworks

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

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

Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.