Star Metro - Desert Crown gives trainer Michael Stoute his sixth Epsom Derby

Stoute raised his top hat as the 5-2 favourite passed the post clear under Richard Kingscote, who was riding in only his second Derby.

Stoute, 76, had already trained a Derby winner for owner Saeed Suhail, Kris Kin in 2003.

His victory would have pleased the 96-year-old Queen who had to miss the Derby for only the third time in her 70 year reign -- the two Covid-affected runnings apart -- as Stoute trained her horse Estimate to win the 2013 Ascot Gold Cup.

Kingscote's ride would have delighted the nine-time Derby winning jockey Lester Piggott, who died last Sunday and who Saturday's race was named in honour of.

For Kingscote it was a far happier Derby day than the last time he went to Epsom and his car suffered a puncture with him having to be bundled into another motorist's car by his wife.

"I can't put it into words, when I was a kid I was useless," said Kingscote.

"I have had a lot of support.

"Obviously he has a huge amount of class, he jumped out great, got in position, travelled great, turned in going in really well.

"He's got class, gave me a lot of confidence, it's all about him and Sir Michael."

Desert Crown crossed the famous finish line two and a half lengths clear of 150-1 outside Hoo Ya Mal with Westover only a head away at 25-1 in third.

S.Clark--SMC