THE DERBY STAKES

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 136, 11 June 1945, Page 8

THE DERBY STAKES

FAVOURITE WINS

DANTE TAKES THE HONOURS (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright.)

LONDON, June 10

The favourite. Dante, won the Derby at Newmarket yesterday. It was the first Derby success by a North of England, horse for 81 years. Dante was ridden hy \V. Xevctt, and is (rained by Matthew Peacock. The owner, trainer, and jockey all come from Yorkshire.

Dante was always in a handy position in the last half-mile, and when Ncvett asked him for an effort he quickened * readily. Nevett rode last year's winner, Ocean Swell.

The Kin- went to the saddling paddock and congratulated the owner and trainer. More than 40,000 people saw the race, Including many Australian and New Zealand esr prisoners of war.

All roads leading to the course were jammed with vehicles. It took two hours to drive the last three miles. Results :—

THE DERBY STAKES, a sweepstake of £100 each with £3000 added; three-year-old colls and fillies; V/ s miles. -Sir Eric Ohlson's br c Dante, by Nearco — Rosy Legend, 9.0 (W. Nevett) 1 Lord Itosebery's b c Midas, by HyperionCoin of the Realm, 0.0 2 Lord Astor's eh c Court Martial, by Fair Trial—lnstantaneous, 3.0 3 Two lengths; head. Chamossaire was fourth. Time, 2.20 2-5. (Winner bred by owner and trained by 11. Peacock at Middleham.)

Although beaten by Court Martial in the Two Thousand Guineas, 1 mile, the Nearco colt Dante definitely turned the tables on Lord Astor's representative in the Derby; Indeed. Midas forced Court Martial back Into third berth. Dante is by the Italian-bred horse Nearco, whose successes on the Turf included the Italian Derby and Grand Prix de Paris. He was later bought by Mr. Martin H. Benson for £60,000. In his ilrst season Nearco headed the list of sires of two-year-olds with winners of 17 races. Last season he occupied the same position, Dante doing particularly well for him as the winner of six races.

At his first start this season Dante, who was bred by his owner, won the Roseberry Stakes, 1 mile, at Stockton. An English writer, commenting on that particular success, stated that it might have been thought from the reception given to Dante after the race that the pride of the North had just won tlio Derby I A large portion of the huge crowd rushed to the paddock, and for several minutes cheered the colt and his jockey, W. Nevett. Continuing, the writer said: "Dante, as in all his previous races, was not seriously tested. He ran out a winner by four lengths from Gaekwar's Pride, Lord Roscbery's filly Donali being a further two lengths away. Dante made such a quick beginning from No. 2 that he was first into his stride. Nevett steadied him, however, and allowed Civil Affairs and Victory V to lead him about a length until a furlong in the straight. Nevett then decided to go ahead, shook up the colt, and speedily drew into the lead. After that there was no danger, Dante going past the post with his ears pricked. This was Dante's first race over a mile, and from the manner in which he finished, «<Matt Peacock's colt should stay the Derby distance.

"Sir Eric Ohlson, Dante's owner, was delighted with the performance of his colt. Nevett, who has ridden two Derby winners, said: 'It was a capital trial. I let a couple of horses lead me over the road, and then sent my mount on. He won easily, and I think he will stay the Derby distance all right.' "