Observer delivers a first for Godolphin with gutsy Derby win
The epic Godolphin double was completed when Ghaiyyath (Dubawi) colt Observer produced a commanding front-running display in the $2 million Victoria Derby, giving leading trainer Ciaron Maher his second success in the Classic and completing an unforgettable four-timer for jockey Mark Zahra.
Zahra – who also won the Wakeful Stakes (Gr 2, 2000m) aboard Getta Good Feeling (So You Think) and The Damien Oliver (Gr 2, 1400m) on Warnie (Highland Reel) – made full use of barrier four, sending the $2.45 favourite straight to the lead.
Observer mirrored the tactics often employed by his sire, controlling proceedings throughout and finding plenty when called on to score his first Group 1 victory by 0.8 lengths. Justify (Scat Daddy) colt Arcora finished a brave second, with the Matt Cumani-trained Deal Done Fast (Dundeel) the same margin away in third. Observer’s victory provided Godolphin with a first win in the VRC Derby.
“I ummed and ahhed about whether to lead, but speaking to Ciaron he gave me great confidence,” Zahra said. “I heard him say, ‘he’ll run it, so if you want to lead, just do it’. He never switches right off, he’s always on the bridle, but he’s tough. He’s just like his old man and late, when they got to him, he found again.”
Maher, who landed the Classic for the first time in 2021 with Hitotsu (Maurice), was glowing in his praise for the colt’s versatility.
“I think the sky’s the limit for this colt, he’s just so adaptable,” the winning trainer said. “He was unlucky in the Guineas, he’s won a Vase and now he’s won a Derby and he’s pretty similar to his old man.
“I’m rapt with our team. Mark’s a great mate, he’s riding on a real crest of a wave and there’s nothing better than to win the Derby on Derby Day. It’s what it’s all about.”
Zahra, who was fined $1,500 for easing Observer down in the closing stages of his Moonee Valley Vase (Gr 2, 2040m) victory a week earlier, joked that the decision may have paid dividends.
“It cost me $1,500 last week, but I saved those few lengths for today,” he said. “He’s so tough and came again. He’s ticked off a Victoria Derby, but I think you’ll find next year he’s a 2000-metre horse.”
Observer became the first Group 1 winner for Darley’s exciting second-season sire Ghaiyyath, who did not return to Darley’s Northwood Park base for 2025 having shuttled there from Kildangan Stud for four previous seasons, standing at a fee of $27,500 (inc GST) throughout his time in Australia.
The highest-rated son of Dubawi (Dubai Millenium) stood the 2025 northern hemisphere breeding season for a fee of €20,000. All told, his global individual stakes winner count stands at eight.
Observer is a half-brother to Group 3 winner Sandpaper (Snitzel), being the third winner from as many runners out of the unraced Lonhro (Octagonal) mare Smooth, who is a sister to multiple Group 1 winner turned Coolmore stallion Pierro and to the dam of Group 2 scorer Estriella (I Am Invincible).
Smooth produced a colt by Anamoe (Street Boss) last spring and is due in foal to Newmarket Handicap (Gr 1, 1200m) winner Cylinder (Exceed And Excel) this season.