The last Derby" Powers Clear in United House Gold Cup Handicap Chase for Trainer Eoin Griffin and PEAK BLOODSTOCK Ltd.

PEAK BLOODSTOCK Ltd and trainer Eoin Griffin endured both ends of the emotional spectrum today, when having had the heartache of losing exciting new chaser "Sanglote", also purchased by PEAK BLOODSTOCK Ltd., they were later rewarded by a scintillating performance by "The Last Derby" to win this listed chase at Ascot.

Always travelling in a handy position under the cool hands of Liam Treadwell, The last Derby showed a great turn of foot and an excellent display of jumping to surge clear before jumping the last. The last Derby is a 5yo son of Anabaa, and has previously won over trips of 2m and 2m4f on a variety of ground. Today was only his second attempt over 3 miles and he showed tremendous staying ability to leave a good field behind him.

Purchased privately through connections in France by Sean Tiernan of PEAK BLOODSTOCK Ltd, this bay gelding has always shown a fair degree of ability and has run the likes of Go Native and Quiscover Fontaine close in the past. Interestingly Sean has also purchased his 2yo ½ brother by Della Francesca, who is for sale at their yard in Wexford. “The last Derby” has now won a bumper, won once over hurdles and twice over fences. While good ground looks to bring out the best of this horse, it must be remembered that he was 3rd to Go Native in a listed hurdle on heavy ground.

Liam Treadwell, riding for the first time for Eoin Griffin today, gave the horse an excellent ride, saving ground when possible and presenting the horse beautifully at his fences. Liam is the 4th jockey to have won on this uncomplicated horse, following in the footsteps of Nina Carberry, David Casey and Barry Geraghty.

Plans for future engagements are as yet undecided but this performance opens up a host of opportunities for the future.

Congratulations to all connections and while it will also be remembered as a sad day following the passing of Sanglote, there is some consolation at least in the performance of a very exciting chaser in The Last Derby, and for PEAK BLOODSTOCK Ltd a bitter sweet day was made all the better with the winning run of Tom Cooper’s  “River Liane” in his beginners chase at Naas. River Liane, 3rd in 2009 AIG Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown was purchased by Sean Tiernan for owners Valerie and Eamon Courtney in late 2007 and looks a nice horse for this years top chasing events.