1960

ON Wednesday, 78-year-old Sir Victor Sassoon celebrated his first wedding anniversary, and what a celebration – winning his fourth Derby in recent years. Sir Victor was overjoyed at this success and, as St Paddy made his way back to the winners’ enclosure, trainer Noel Murless made the colt wait until Sir Victor was taken down in his wheelchair in the lift from his private box.

In the winner’s circle the owner left his wheelchair and, with the aid of two sticks, went over first of all to pat Lester Piggott on the back, and then held the winner’s head for photographs.

It was Piggott’s third Derby win, and on this occasion he even mustered up a faint suggestion of a smile. St Paddy actually spent the night before the race in the very same stable as did Crepello, who also won the Derby for Sir Victor.

Among the thousands of Irish racegoers present at the Derby was Martin Molony, who on Thursday was married in London. Many well-known Irish racing folk, including members of the O’Brien family for whom Martin rode many winners, were present at the ceremony.