Since the turn of the year, the Epsom Derby discussion has centred around the British and Irish challengers. That’s perfectly understandable, considering 24 of the 25 most recent renewals have fallen to a British or Irish trainer.
Until recently, it wasn’t easy to unearth a legitimate challenger not based in the UK or Ireland. However, that has changed in the week leading up to the prestigious event, with a pair of French runners set to tackle the Epsom twists and turns in pursuit of Classic glory.
First successful with Durbar in 1914 and most recently with the Andre Fabre-trained Pour Moi in 2011, our Gallic cousins have made off with the Epsom trophy on ten occasions. Since that famous win of 2011, the French have managed no better than a pair of fifth-placed efforts, courtesy of Ocovango (2013) and Epicuris (2015). However, if Midak and New Ground take their place in the lineup, this will be the first time since 2011 that more than one French runner has taken a shot at Derby glory. Having more than one runner resulted in a spectacular result 14 years ago, will that again be the case in 2025?
Midak a Fitting Winner in Famous Silks?
As the man behind the green silks with the red epaulettes, Agan Khan IV was one of racing’s greatest supporters during his lifetime. A regular presence at the biggest meetings of the British season, His Highness bagged five Derby triumphs with Shergar, Shahrastani, Kahyasi, Sinndar, and Harzand.
Sadly, the Aga Khan IV passed away on the 4th of February 2025, but his ownership vehicle lives on in Aga Khan Studs. In recognition of his contribution to the sport, the 2025 Epsom Derby will be run in honour of His Highness Aga Khan IV. A fine gesture, enhanced by the news that those famous silks now look set to take their place in the Derby field.
The horse to carry the green and red is the first of the French raiding party, Midak. Hailing from the yard of Royal Ascot and King George winning handler Francis-Henri Graffard, this handsome chestnut is nicely bred for Classic success. His sire, Footstepsinthesand, landed the 2005 edition of the 2,000 Guineas, whilst dam Minya is by 2000 Derby hero Sinndar.
Midak remains unbeaten with a straight-forward success in the Prix Greffulhe at Saint-Cloud!🇫🇷
Another progressive type for @GraffardRacing and @AgaKhanStuds! pic.twitter.com/Vug9tCfE4f
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 9, 2025
Of course, a fine pedigree is one thing and performance at the track quite another. Thus far, Midak ticks both boxes. Kicking off with a maiden win at Lyon-La Soie, he followed up in the Prix du Mont at Chantilly before bagging the Group 3 Prix Greffulhe. Interestingly, that latter event is the same race won by Pour Moi before his magical victory under Mickael Barzalona. Three from three in his career to date, could Midak make it four from four on the biggest stage of all?
Henri-Francois Devin to Break New Ground
The second French runner also brings the welcome addition of legendary silks to the race. Sported to glory by the likes of Frankel, Enable, and more recently, Field Of Gold, the famous green, pink, and white colours of Juddmonte have entered the Derby Winner’s Enclosure on three occasions. Could New Ground be the horse to hand the owner/breeder operation a first Derby success since the death of their founder, Khalid Abdullah, in 2021?
The son of New Bay represents a first Derby entry for Henri-Francois Devin, but with nine Group race triumphs, the Chantilly handler is no stranger to success in his homeland. Like Midak, New Ground boasts an appealing pedigree. His sire claimed the 2015 Prix du Jockey Club and displayed stamina for this trip when winning the Prix Niel at Longchamp, whilst Gaining adds Group winning class from the dam side.
Unbeaten in two starts as a juvenile, New Ground has yet to suggest he is a Group 1 winner in waiting, with two starts in 2025 yielding third-placed efforts in Listed and Group 3 company. However, connections must believe that this first crack at 1m4f may spark improvement, having declared their intention to stump up the £75,000 late supplementary fee for the race.
Can Midak or New Ground upset the Aidan O’Brien, Charlie Appleby, and Ralph Beckett colts towards the head of the market? Midak is priced around 12/1 to claim a fitting victory, whilst New Ground is amongst the outsiders at a general 33/1. However they fair on the day, their presence adds significant intrigue to one of the highlights of the European racing season.