Races

Epsom Rewind: Sea The Stars lands a Classic double in the 2009 Derby

Sea The Stars wrote himself into the history books with an impressive performance on the Downs

Published

4 months ago

April 7, 2021

Reece Charlton

Sea The Stars ridden by jockey Mick Kinane goes on to win the Investec Derby during Derby Day at Epsom Downs Racecourse

After claiming a maiden Group 1 success in the 2000 Guineas, Sea The Stars was assigned his toughest test yet in the 2009 Epsom Derby.

The three-year-old colt has several stamina concerns, as John Oxx’s star had never competed further than a mile.

But he put those doubts to bed with a gutsy effort on the Epsom Downs.

The Grandstand Complex at Epsom Downs Racecourse Surrey England — *Epsom Downs would become the fourth track where Sea The Stars would record victory, winning a total of 8 races from his 9 career starts thereafter*

Sea The Stars stayed in touch with the main group for the majority of the contest, moving up into fourth coming into the home straight.

By three furlongs out, the half-brother of Galileo had pushed into third place and began to chase down the leader Golden Sword.

WATCH: SEA THE STARS AND MICK KINANE TAKE THE 2009 DERBY AT EPSOM [CREDIT: RACING TV]

The colt gathered up the leader in the final furlong before being ridden home by Mick Kinane, holding off favourite Fame And Glory by a length and three quarters.

Sea The Stars would go on to win four more Group 1s that season, including the Irish Champion Stakes and Prix l’Arc De Triomphe.

He would be retired to stud at the end of the season, going on to sire several Group 1 winners including 2013 Derby winner Harzard and superstar stayer Stradivarius.