Reliable Man by Dalakhani posted a dramatic win in the Prix Du Jockey Club (French Derby) on Sunday at Chantilly, Oise, France. Coming into the biggest race of his life with just two triumphant conditional races behind him, Reliable Man showed remarkable maturity and stamped his class in the French classic. The victory in one of the most sought-after races provided a three-in-a-row career success for Reliable Man. For his proud trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre, this was the 6th success in the French Derby, Dalakhani being one of them.

Reliable Man was ably assisted in his triumph by jockey Gerald Mosse who held him back closer to the rear end of the field. Frankie Dettori seemed to have a plane to catch as he sent Casamento into the lead at a biting pace. Ryan Moore astride Roderic O'Connor matched the initial brilliance of Casamento leading the duo to eventually pack up even before the fight to the finish.

Mosse had played his cards right and was progressive in the straight. There were some anxious moments for Mosse and Reliable Man in the homestretch as they had to deal with a wall of horses in front. However, in a well-timed move, Mosse steered clear of the runners in front and then asked Reliable Man to quicken. Reliable Man rocketed ahead in the final furlong-and-a-half and finished on powerfully to stay comfortably ahead of Bubble Chic at the wire. Baraan left it for far too late and threw in his might when all was over. Baraan was languishing way too far behind the bunch and this certainly cost him heavy. He was finishing on strongly but had too much to do at the business end.

An Ecstatic Alain de Royer–Dupre could hardly conceal his excitement, “He’s a very good horse, and I’m certain he will be even better over a mile and a half, so the plan is to bring him back for the G1 Grand Prix de Paris (at Longchamp on July 14),” he managed to state before rushing off to celebrate.

Watch the race at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6x6Wawldds