As the 246th running of the Derby approaches, the emergence of Pride Of Arras evokes a nostalgic echo of the race’s traditional roots, reviving the era when passionate breeder-owners shaped the landscape of British racing. On Saturday, the chestnut colt will line up at Epsom with a real chance of securing one of the sport’s most coveted prizes, the culmination of years of dedication and an old-school approach to breeding.
For much of the Derby’s long history, the dream was straightforward: breed the best to the best and hope for the best. Owner-breeders who invested heart and time, often for generations, were once the norm at Epsom. But from the late 1970s onwards, the rise of global racing empires transformed the landscape. The dominance of powerhouse operations like Godolphin and Coolmore threatened to erase the once-thriving culture of small-scale, family-run studs from the Classic winner’s circle.
This year, however, there’s a refreshing throwback to that earlier era. Pride Of Arras raced only once as a two-year-old, winning modestly at Sandown. When he reappeared in the Dante Stakes at York last month, he was a 66-1 outsider for the Derby. But after dispatching a strong field with unexpected authority, those odds tumbled to 5-1, and he now stands among the leading contenders.
His journey began at a small Yorkshire stud where his dam, Parnell’s Dream, and grand-dam, Kitty O’Shea, were both reared. Pride Of Arras, the fourth foal from Parnell’s Dream, is the product of a mating with the sire New Bay. The stud’s strategy, focused on breeding mile-and-a-half types, was 15 years in the making, and this colt appears to be the payoff—a potential champion shaped by patient, long-term vision.
The training of the colt was entrusted to Ralph Beckett, a long-standing associate of the owners. The familial relationship between owner and trainer has been instrumental, underlining the close-knit nature of the operation. It’s a story built on loyalty, tradition, and a healthy dose of racing realism. The connections are excited, yes but tempered, mindful of how quickly expectations can unravel on the sport’s biggest stage.
The Derby itself looks more open than it has in years. With three market leaders and 19 contenders the largest field in over two decades the race is full of uncertainty. Rain is forecast, which could shake up the formbook even further. It’s a setting ripe for upsets, where even an outsider like Lazy Griff, second in the Chester Vase, might have a shot if the going softens.
Among the front-runners, Delacroix boasts an impressive trial win at Leopardstown and has the backing of top jockey Ryan Moore. However, questions linger over the strength of his opposition and his progression potential. Ruling Court, a Guineas winner, is another leading name but faces stamina concerns.
Much hinges on the Dante form. Pride Of Arras’s win in that race now looks especially strong, and his vanquished rivalsDa mysus and Nightwalker have merit, but it’s difficult to see them turning the tables. His breeding suggests he’ll handle soft ground, and with just two starts under his belt, he has significant room for improvement.
Potential threats include stablemate Stanhope Gardens and the unbeaten French challenger Midak, but Pride Of Arras stands out as a colt who could well rise above this highly competitive field.
In a race that could swing wildly with the conditions, this Yorkshire-bred contender embodies a hopeful return to a more romantic vision of racing. If he delivers on Saturday, it won’t just be a victory for his connections, but a moment of affirmation for the sport’s enduring heart.
