20 Best Epsom Derbies ever in order of merit?

This is my list of the 20 best ever Epsom Derby’s in order of merit from the aesthetic point of view-in terms of the thrill or excitement they gave. I am not rating them on merit of performance.

1.Ehraab in 1994

Equivalent of witnessing a 360 degree turn in plot in a Hollywood epic or with a character jumped in. Rarely has such a sensational twist ever been seen in the Derby, giving vibrations of a divine intervention. Supreme artistry displayed by Wille Carson in the saddle.

2.Lammtarra in 1995

Reminiscent of an army ressurecting itself from the grave to reach the pinnacle of glory with a sensational burst of speed after being six lengths in the arrears about a furlong from home.

3. Troy in 1979

In the manner of a tiger hiding in an ambush before launching his attack to mercilessly crush his prey Troy cruised in the final furlong to an effortless seven length win making his rivals look like standing pillars. It looked virtually like 2 separate races when Troy made his move in the straight, looking like a colt flying with the wings of Pegasus.

4.Sir Ivor in 1968

One of the greatest bursts of speed ever revealed in the Blue riband of racing.After being four lengths behind Connuaght a furlong out Piggot pushed his mount and with an electrifying turn of foot reminiscent of gunpowder exploding he swept past Connaught winning going away.

5. Sea Bird in 1965

Racing aesthecism was taken to a height of glory with Sea Bird cruising past his rivals with the effortlessness of a Ballad Dancer or lark singing.Rarely in racing has a colt toyed with such strong rivals as Sea Bird that day.

6. Slip Anchor in 1985

It is rarity to make the running all the way and win a Derby that to with such wide margin. Slip Anchor was simply a powerhouse of energy that day with unbelievable reservoirs in his tank.

7. Shergar in 1981

Took glory of supremacy in sport to regions of divinity like a great emperor leading a procession. The staggering margin of ten lengths would have been 12-15 had jockey Walter Swinburn not eased him.

8.Sharastani in 1986

I remember this race more for the sensational defeat of Dancing Brave than for the win of Shahrastani Greville Starkey virtually robbed his ward of any chance of winning by placing him hopelessly behind the rest at the bend. .In the straight Dancing Brave simply flew in the manner of a plane taking off from a runaway but failed to catch Sharasatani by a neck. Dancing Brave was beaten but only after displaying the most sensational burst of speed in a Derby.

9. Roberto in 1972

One of the most intense tussles witnessed in the history of racing reminiscent of a boxing bout. Rheingold looked a certain winner before Lester initiated resurgence astride Roberto in a power packed finish.

10. The Minstrel in 1977

The magic touch of Lester enabled the Minstrel to catch Hot Grove in the final strides. Lester simply instilled a new spirit into his mount in the final stages.

11.Sindaar in 2000

One of racing classics witnessing Sindaar catching Sakhee in the last few strides.Sindaars staying power prevailed exhibiting the grit of a soldier. Racing competitivity at its crescendo.

12.Mill Reef in 1971

Rarely has a colt swept past his rivals with such grace with his feet skimming the ground. Derbies have been won by far wider margins but few with such aesthetic fervour, resembling a ballad dancer.

13.Nijinsky in 1970

French champion Gyr looked a winner two furlongs out before Nijinsky burst on the scene with a most spectacular turn of foot, rarely seen at Epsom. Few Derbies have been won delivering such a convincing knockout punch.

14. Golden Fleece in 1982

Resembled a tornado interrupting a sunny day with a sensational burst of speed in the last furlong to completely change the complexion of the race. Revealed acceleration of a thoroughbred racehorse at it’s zenith..

15.Galileo in 2001

Revealed the acceleration of a thoroughbred racehorse in regions of the sublime with majestic strides as few ever did in the Derby.

16.Naswhan in 1989

Literally floated on the track to win going away by five lengths. Poetry in motion.

17.Secreto in 1984

Turned the tables on El Gran Senor like few colts have overthrown a great champion in the Derby, reminiscent of pulling of Houdini act.

18.Shirley Heights in 1978

Collared Hawain Sound making a sensational run on the rail who made every yard of the running and looked to have the race sewn away.

19.Hyperion in 1933

Sensational acceleration to win by what was morally 6 lengths from King Salmon -in a then record time.

20. Crepello in 1957

Triumphed with the true conviction of a champion beating an all-time great in Balymoss.