Charlie Appleby, a two-time English Derby winner, is a trainer with a proven record of success in flat racing. In 2018, he achieved historic success for Godolphin, owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, by winning the Derby at Epsom Downs Racecourse with Masar. Three years later, Appleby repeated the feat with Adayar, solidifying his position as a top trainer in the industry. With the recent win of Notable Speech at the 2,000 Guineas in Newmarket, Appleby is now aiming for a second Classic win with Ancient Wisdom in the British racing season.
Appleby, who is currently in his 11th year as head trainer at Godolphin’s UK headquarters, has seen his confidence grow as a trainer, leading to back-to-back Trainer’s Championships in British flat racing. Despite the history stacked against him, with no horse ever winning from stalls 2, 11, or 18 in over two centuries of the Epsom Derby, Appleby remains confident in Ancient Wisdom’s chances. Breaking from post 11, which has never produced a winner, Appleby believes the horse is in the right area to be competitive on race day.
Ancient Wisdom, a son of Dubawi, aims to become only the second Derby winner to have lost the Al Basti Equiworld Dante Stakes. Despite a setback in the York trial, where he was beaten by Economics, Ancient Wisdom has shown promise with a win in the high-class Futurity Trophy at Doncaster in 2023. Appleby is hopeful that the horse’s ability to handle longer distances and favorable ground conditions will play to his advantage in the Epsom Derby.
Facing stiff competition from 15 rivals, including City Of Trophy and Los Angeles trained by Aidan O’Brien, Ancient Wisdom will need to bring his A-game to the Epsom Derby. The festival kicks off with two Group 1 contests, the Coronation Cup and the Oaks, both covering 2,400 meters. With the legacy of success behind Appleby and Godolphin, all eyes will be on Ancient Wisdom as he aims to defy the odds and secure another victory for the team.
