What drama.

Serpentine runs out the 2020 Derby winner thanks to a remarkable front-running ride from jockey Emmet McNamara, on his first-ever ride in the great race. Serpentine only won his first race seven days previously at the Curragh!

The Galileo colt was pushed into an early lead by McNamara and, in a lovely rhythm over the unique contours of Epsom, proved not for catching as the 25/1 chance had five and a half lengths in hand at the line from runner-up Khalifa Sat (50/1) with Amhran Na Bhfiann (66/1) in third. 2,000 Guineas winner and big-race favourite Kameko finished fourth (5/2F).

Aidan O'Brien posted his eighth success in the Derby, making him the all-time leading trainer in the history of the race with surely yet more to success to come over the next decade.

But the story was about McNamara.

Having to quarantine on his return home to Ireland, the 30-year-old Limerick rider said: "I’d take 14 months quarantine, never mind 14 days!

"I hope my poor old Dad [trainer Eric] doesn’t die of a heart attack right now! He was extremely proud of me riding in the race today and I’ve spoken to him about 40 times in the last 24 hours.

“I can’t imagine this will ever happen again so I’m going to try and savour it while I can - I couldn’t care less that there’s no-one here to be honest with you!

“You’re always dreaming of these races and think they’re possible, but it’s only when you start riding against these other guys that you realise how hard it is to win them.

“I thought to myself a couple of weeks ago this could possibly be a big year, but second in an Irish Derby and winning an English this week is unbelievable."

2020 INVESTEC DERBY FULL FINISHING ORDER:

1 Serpentine (25/1)
2 Khalifa Sat (50/1)
3 Amhran Na Bhfiann (66/1)
4 Kameko (5/2F)
5 English King (100/30)
6 Mogul (7/1)
7 Russian Emperor (7/1)
8 Vatican City (17/2)
9 Gold Maze (150/1)
10 Highland Chief (20/1)
11 Pyledriver (16/1)
12 Mohican Heights (25/1)
13 Mythical (100/1)
14 Max Vega (33/1)
15 Emissary (40/1)
16 Worthily (40/1)