WATCH: Masar's Derby win a very special day, recalls Appleby

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DREAM TEAM: Jockey William Buick with Epsom Derby winner Masar. - Supplied photo

Dubai - It was the first triumph for the royal blue silks of Godolphin, owned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in the 239th running of Britain's richest horse race

By James Jose

Published: Tue 2 Jun 2020, 7:49 PM

Last updated: Tue 2 Jun 2020, 9:59 PM

Two years on after the great Masar won the Group 1 Epsom Derby at Epsom Downs, British handler Charlie Appleby and jockey William Buick went down memory lane and recalled that special day.
Exactly two years to the day on June 2, Masar came up with a sterling effort to clinch the prestigious Investec Derby.

???? #OTD two years ago, #Masar provided Godolphin, Charlie Appleby and William Buick with a landmark first Royal Blue success in the G1 Derby as he stormed home to capture Britain's premier Classic at @EpsomRacecourse ?????? pic.twitter.com/AvjH749Nls
- Godolphin (@godolphin) June 2, 2020

It was the first triumph for the royal blue silks of Godolphin, owned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in the 239th running of Britain's richest horse race.
Masar, the son of New Approach beat Dee Ex Bee with Roaring Lion finishing third. The highly-fancied Saxon Warrior came in fourth.
"It was a very special day that we will never forget," said Appleby.
"William was the first to get off him in the Guineas and it felt right, a 10-furlong horse against the milers. And therefore, it gave us the confidence that once we step up in trip, it is going to be his forte. The rest was left down to William there in the race and it was a copybook ride," added Appleby, who also landed his first English Classic.

"It's incredibly special. It's the most important race - it's the pinnacle of our sport" - William Buick sums up what #Masar's G1 Derby victory @EpsomRacecourse meant to the whole Godolphin Team ?????? pic.twitter.com/CcvlTF42jr
- Godolphin (@godolphin) June 2, 2020

Meanwhile, Buick, who had won the Dubai World Cup in 2015 onboard Prince Bishop, said it was the pinnacle and the reason why they go racing.
"For both of us, it is incredibly special and what's important about racing in our sport is the pinnacle. It is what everyone gets up in the morning for and it's incredibly special," said Buick.
Masar, who won the Solario Stakes and the Craven Stakes in 2017 and 2018 before his incredible feat, was retired to stud last year.

Teamwork makes the dream work ??#Masar's Derby victory was a special day for everyone at Godolphin! ?? pic.twitter.com/QqXUAQNW6p
- Godolphin (@godolphin) June 2, 2020

He has been well received at stud with over 145 mares booked to him, including several well-bred members of the Godolphin broodmare band, the racing operation revealed.
james@khaleejtimes.com