Derby win would be the biggest triumph so far, says Beckett

RALPH Beckett won last season's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with Bluestocking - but believes a victory for either Pride Of Arras or Stanhope Gardens in the Betfred Derby would represent the “summit”.

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Beckett has only had four runners in the premier Classic, coming closest with Westover three years ago. However, he has won the Oaks twice, with Look Here and Talent.

His yard is now one of the biggest in the country and while he is well represented in all three Group Ones at Epsom this weekend, he is unequivocal when asked which race he would like to win above all others.

“I was asked by a member of the French press if the Arc was the race I'd wanted to win above all else and my response was ‘behind the Derby only’ and I stand by that,” said Beckett.

“I think if you are an Englishman and you train racehorses, the Derby is, and hopefully always will be, the summit. Few people get to do it and if it ever came off it will be more than I ever could have hoped for when I set off training, that’s for sure.”