Brisbane jockey Jim Byrne lived out a lifelong dream when he produced a masterly ride to win the Queensland Derby on Riva San at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Riva San backed up from last week's Queensland Oaks success to become only the fourth filly to secure the Oaks-Derby double and her trainer Peter Moody has his sights set firmly on the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.

Moody wasn't at Eagle Farm as he prepared to board a flight to England where he will saddle Magnus in next week's Kings Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, but the former Queenslander said Riva San would be headed toward the feature Cups double.

"She's one of the toughest horses I've trained and she's also a dual Group One winner which makes her very special," Moody said.

"I thought the Oaks was a stronger race and when she did so well during the week I was confident she could win the race (Derby)."

Byrne gave Riva San the run of the race and the Any Given Sunday filly ploughed through the sloppy conditions to win running away by two lengths.

New Zealand gelding Petushki ran home well to grab second and the well-supported Bart Cummings-trained Moatize was a further 1-1/4 lengths back in third.

Byrne's delight was fellow jockey Scott Seamer's dismay.

Seamer was suspended for his winning ride on Riva San in last week's Oaks and decided not to proceed with his option to appeal against the suspension.

大外一氣掃哂 .....
"I've wanted to win this race ever since I was an apprentice," Byrne said.

"I feel sorry for Scotty but you have to take every opportunity as they come in this game and I made the most of mine today."

Seamer wasn't the only jockey feeling downhearted after Riva San's win.

Moody's stable jockey Luke Nolen has partnered Riva San for the majority of her career and would have been in the saddle had he not been seriously injured in a fall in the BTC Cup at Doomben last month.

"I feel for Luke and I hope he makes a full recovery soon," Byrne said.

Riva San is only the fourth filly after Analie (1973), Bravery (1988) and Royal Magic (1992) to win both the Queensland Oaks and Derby.

昆士蘭 ... 打比？:eee:
水準如何 :ppp: :ppp:

當然係不濟 ~~ 水準

年年都差唔多

今年打比水準我認為差過橡樹果場