City Of Troy back off the ropes to win Derby No 10 for believer Aidan O’Brien

City Of Troy, who was a disappointing flop when favourite in the 2,000 Guineas, came back to win the Derby at Epsom on Saturday, holding off the well-backed Ambiente Friendly in the closing stages.

Just like his stablemate Auguste Rodin did 12 months ago, the Justify colt, who was sent on his way as the 3-1 favourite, silenced any doubters with a dazzling display in the blue riband event.

Ryan Moore had to pick a route through after being caught inside in mid-division turning for home, but fortune favoured the brave as he powered home to score by two and three-quarter lengths from Ambiente Friendly, who travelled smoothly throughout but could not match the winner’s turn of foot. It was a record-extending 10th Derby triumph for the Ballydoyle maestro O’Brien, and a fourth win in the race for Moore. O’Brien also saddle the third home in the shape of Los Angeles.

Winning rider Moore said: “It was hard to know what would happen today bit I was sure we had the best horse. It didn’t happen at Newmarket but he was a brilliant two-year-old and it was brilliant for him to come back today.

“We did a few things wrong at Newmarket but we got it right [this time]. You have to be delighted with what he did out there today.”

O’Brien, who never lost faith in the colt who was a champion two-year-old, added: “I made mistakes training him [for the Guineas]. He was too fresh and unprepared and not prepared properly but he has grown up since.”

Asked whether he was the best Derby winner he had trained, O’Brien said: “Without a doubt.”