3 minute read

Desert Crown’s Derby-winning jockey Richard Kingscote hails him as an “awesome racehorse”.

Kingscote partnered Desert Crown on all four occasions. The pair began their association on the racecourse when running out wide-margin winners on a Nottingham maiden back in November 2021. A step up in class soon awaited and the son of Nathaniel would prove he was up to the task when a ready winner of the Group 2 Dante Stakes at York on his three-year-old seasonal reappearance. 

Desert Crown was subsequently sent off the 5/2 favourite to remain unbeaten and claim Epsom Derby glory. He travelled strongly throughout under the hands of Kingscote before kicking clear at the furlong pole against the far rail, running out one of the most impressive Derby winners of recent generations. 

Kingscote took to social media platform X to say: "I have been asked about my thoughts on Desert Crown a few times.

"Firstly I'm most sorry for the staff at Sir Michael's who adored him and who are all heartbroken.

"Secondly I'm sorry to racing fans in that we will never get to see how brilliant he could have been. And that I don't have the vocabulary to explain how amazing he was.

"I will always be grateful to him for looking after me on those two big days last summer, he was a gentleman and an awesome racehorse.

"I feel blessed and somewhat embarrassed that it was me who got to feel his brilliance. RIP DC."