Darley's Derby duo

Having won the G1 Racing Post Trophy as a two-year-old at only his second start, Authorized headed to the Derby following his four-length victory in the G2 Dante Stakes - traditionally a trial for the 'Blue Riband' that has seen nine winners to date go on to succeed at Epsom on the first Saturday in June.

Sent off as favourite, Authorized was settled towards the rear in the early stages of the race with jockey Frankie Dettori allowing the son of Montjeu to find his feet early on. Making his move with a half-mile left to run, Authorized made steady progress and once he hit the front with entering the final furlong the result never appeared in doubt as Authorized easily moved clear of his rivals to win by five lengths (click here to watch the race). This was one of the biggest winning margins in recent years and provided Frankie with his first victory in the Classic.

Allotted a Timeform rating of 132 for his victory (a figure two pounds superior to that of 2002 winner High Chaparral, also a Sadler's Wells-line stallion) Authorized's rating was increased to 133 two starts later when he defeated older rivals Dylan Thomas and Notnowcato in the G1 Juddmonte International.

Just a year later, fellow Sadler's Wells-line colt New Approach took the Classic race in thrilling fashion. Having remained unbeaten as a juvenile in an outstanding season that culminated with victory in both the G1 National and G1 Dewhurst Stakes, New Approach was duly crowned Champion two-year-old and headed to Epsom after finishing second in the both the English and Irish 2000 Guineas.

Like Authorized, New Approach started the race as favourite. Settled back in the field after the start, the Jim Bolger-trained colt produced an outstanding finish, snaking his way through the field to get up along the rail and out-gun consistent G1 performer Tartan Bearer (click here to watch the race).

Describe by Bolger as "very special", New Approach went on to claim victory in the G1 Irish Champion Stakes en route to a devastating six-length victory in Newmarket's Champion Stakes that saw him break the 24-year-old course record. Awarded Championship honours once again, the 132 Timeform rating achieved for his last race established New Approach as one of the greats of recent years.

Both Authorized and New Approach retired after their three-year-old racing season and covered their first southern hemisphere books of mares in the spring of 2009. It was no surprise to see an exceptional line up of mares booked into the multiple G1 winners for their first season at stud.

Standing at Northwood Park, New Approach had the "full" sign placed up early on in the season and covered the likes of G1 winners Kapchat, She's Archie, Star Shiraz and Zagalia; the dams of G1 winners Fashions Afield, Fiumicino and Marble Halls; daughters of G1 winners Horlicks, Joie Denise and Ha Ha; plus sisters or half-sisters to G1 winners Lonhro, Eremein, Sunday Joy, Niello and Tuesday Joy.

Authorized stood at Kelvinside where his book included the G1 winner and producer My Brilliant Star, the dam of multiple G1 winner Yell; plus the daughters of multiple G1 winners Mannerism, Chlorophyll, Eastern Joy and Savana City. Siblings to G1 winners Slavonic, Bedouin, Cannsea, Dracula, Mossman, Neroli, Mummify, Slight chance, Rinky Dink and the 11 time G1 winner Rough Habit, all formed part of Authorized's top-quality first book.

With the 2009 running of the race going to Sea The Stars, a son of Darley's Cape Cross, the affiliation between Darley and the Epsom Derby is one that holds strong and hopes are high that this will continue for many years to come.