Quest For Fame, 7-1 Chance, Wins Epsom

Quest For Fame, a 7-1 chance ridden by English champion jockey Pat Eddery, gave first-season trainer Roger Charlton a dream today by winning the Epsom Derby.

On Sunday Charlton, 40, a former stockbroker, saddled Sanglamore, ridden by Eddery, to win the French Derby at Chantilly for the same owner, Prince Khalid Abdulla of Saudi Arabia.

It is only the second time in racing history a trainer and owner have won both Derby races in the same season and the first time a novice trainer has achieved such a feat.

Quest for Fame won by three lengths over 8-1 shot Blue Stag, the mount of American Cash Asmussen.

Elmaamul (10-1), ridden by Willie Carson, successful last year on Nashwan, finished third another 1 1/2 lengths away.

The 9-2 favorite Razeen continued the disappointing English Derby record of Sheikh Mohammed of Dubai.

Jockey Steve Cauthen said the colt was beaten a quarter of a mile from home in the 1 1/2-mile event. Razeen finished 14th of the 18 runners.

It was frustrating afternoon for Barry Hills, the trainer of Blue Stag. Hills has now saddled four runners-up in the race.

The 66-1 outsider Treble Eight led through the first mile with River God, Sheikh Mohammed’s second horse, Elmaamul, Quest for Fame and French challenger Linamix all prominent.

Quest for Fame made a charge turning into the straight and never looked like losing.

Eddery’s win justified his decision to spurn longtime favorite Digression.

“It was fantastic winning on Sunday but the Epsom Derby is the race,” the Irishman said.

Eddery, riding his third Epsom Derby winner, said: “A month ago I would have chosen Digression, but he ran a disappointing trial. This horse has has done nothing wrong.

“I could not believe how easily we were going turning into the straight. I kicked on knowing he was a true mile and a half horse. I knew he would not stop.”

Khalid Abdullah, a Saudi Arabian banker, whose Dancing Brave was narrowly beaten in the Epsom Derby in 1986, said: “I wasn’t expecting to win but he is a good horse and everyone knows Pat. He is the best jockey around.”

Charlton said of his remarkable double Derby success: “It will never be repeated--by me. Pat is a genius. He gave the horse a most wonderful ride. This win is all down to (my predecessor) Jeremy Tree. I’ve inherited this horse from him and he also trained me.”