The 4-5 favorite was the Hurricane Run, trained by Andre Fabre, who was second last out to Shamardal in the Group 1 Prix du Jockey-Club (French Derby) at Chantilly. The 3-1 second choice was Walk In The Dark who was second in the Epson Derby while third choice at 8-1 was Fracas whose undefeated streak was broken last out when he was fourth in the Epsom Derby.
Longshot Brahminy Kite set the early pace with Scorpion in second stalking him. Hurricane Run stayed at the pack of the pack early until three furlongs to go when jockey Kieran Fallon took him to the outside for his run at the leaders. Brahminy Kite dropped out leaving Scorpion on the lead with 2 furlongs to go, but Hurricane Run was determined and got the lead in the final furlong. He won by 1/2 length with Scorpion hanging in for second with Shalapour in third. Final time for the mile and a half was 2:29.40 over a course rated good-to-firm. The top two finishers were both sired by Montjeu, his second sweep of a classic race this year as his sons Motivator and Walk In The Park finished 1-2 in the Epsom Derby. The early part of the race was marred by tragedy with Gypsy King broke down after just a quarter mile and had to be euthanized.
Results Chart
Winning trainer Andre Fabre, winning his second Irish Derby, said, "You never win a Derby easily, but I wasn't too worried and I felt that he had everything to pass Scorpion. I think the horse still has a little improvement to come, so this was a really good effort. He is a 'push-button' horse. You push the button and then he goes. The plan now is to save Hurricane Run for an autumn campaign. He will probably go for the Arc with one run somewhere before then."
Winning jockey Kieren Fallon, winning his first Irish Derby, said, "It means a lot to win this race, especially after thinking I'd win it on North Light last year only to finish second. For years I have dreamed about winning this race, ever since I was an apprentice with Kevin Prendergast - it means everything. I did come wide from the back as I hadn't ridden Hurricane Run before. I thought I was on the best horse, but I wanted to get a clear run. He is still something of a baby and when I gave him one flick of the whip he picked up lovely. He travels for fun under you, but he idled a bit when he got to the front, just like his father (Montjeu) used to."
