Australia wins Epsom Derby impressively

Australia swept to an impressive victory in Saturday's Investec Derby at Epsom, living up to his pedigree and promising a stellar future.

With Joseph O'Brien riding for his trainer father, Aidan, Australia ran patiently back of the early leaders while staying out of trouble. As the field straightened away for home, the colt found another gear and quickly hit the front. Kingston Hill put up a struggle but Australia was never in danger of losing in the final sixteenth of a mile.

Romsdal, who was supplemented to the race at a cost of 75,000 pounds sterling, was third and Arod finished fourth.

Australia is a son of Derby winner Galileo, out of the mare Ouija Board, an Oaks winner who also triumphed in Grade I and Group 1 races internationally. "Horses don't come any easier to ride," said the younger O'Brien, who has ridden some top ones for his father's powerhouse stable.

Australia automatically becomes a favorite for any race he might target for the remainder of the year.