Curragh's international stable puts EU to shame

EU unity may have suffered a setback lately with the double rejection of the EU constitution, but the Curragh was a model of European co-operation when the favourite, Hurricane Run, powered home to victory in the Budweiser Irish Derby.

His Irish jockey, French trainer and German owners were jubilant at their win on Kildare soil.

While Kieran Fallon is no stranger to the winners' enclosure, this was his first Irish Derby success. "It is fantastic. It's what we all dream about and it takes a lot of work and preparation to get these horses to where they are today," he said after the race.

The owner, Dietrich von Boetticher, was magnanimous in victory, claiming that it was inspired by his glamorous young wife Annabel. But she was having none of it.

"I think it's just a nice statement of my husband," she said modestly, blushing under her large straw hat.

A deal has been done with Coolmore Stud to buy the horse but a crucial part of the deal was that Hurricane Run would carry the colours of the von Boettichers when he ran this race.

"It was the one thing which I was not willing to give up," said Dietrich. "Having to give up the horse was bad enough, but giving up the opportunity to win the Irish Derby which I am not going to win in my life I was not going to do this for any price."

Diminutive trainer Andre Fabre, who is known as the Napoleon of French racing, was also delighted with the victory. "For me, it means a lot to win at the Curragh," he said after the race. "I think it's one of the nicest courses of Europe, and here is a country of thoroughbreds."

It was good news all round at the Curragh yesterday, with its attendance of more than 31,000 people breaking all modern-day records. Champagne and strawberries were the main order of the day as the hot afternoon sun beat down on the racecourse and women tottered in their high heels and exotic plumage.

The languorous sounds of a jazz band floated across the racecourse while private helicopters whirred overhead, dispatching their cargo of wealthy and famous into the private suites overlooking the racecourse.

U2 were rumoured to be attending as they had a rare day away from the office after filling Croke Park on Friday and Saturday night, but Bono's signature shades were nowhere to be seen.

It was a family day for the Piggotts, with retired jockey Lester enjoying the racing and daughter Tracy presenting the prizes at the big race.

But it was Dietrich's day: "I think in a country that is so connected with horse breeding and horse racing, this is the best that could happen our lives," he said.