Race Result:

1st: Riff Rocket (C Waller/J McDonald) - $2.20F
2nd: Ceolwulf (J Pride/B Shinn) - $7
3rd: Glad You Think So (J Sargent/R King) - $91

Winning Time: 2:33.45  Last 600m: 37.43

Margins: Neck x 4¼L

Riff Rocket becomes the 4th horse to complete the Victoria - Australian Derby double!@aus_turf_club @cwallerracing @mcacajamez pic.twitter.com/WefKmqsFt7

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 6, 2024

Winning Trainer: Chris Waller

On winning his first ATC Derby: "It's pretty special, simple as that, and these guys (owner Debbie Kepitis and the Ingham family) were here before I had the first Group 1 winner so it's fitting.

"I don't cry as much as I used to but this one's pretty special."

On the horse's ability to become a dual Derby winner: "He's done a great job, he's an amazing horse, he puts himself into the race at the right time.

"Amazing ride from James. He didn't panic being back there, it was a truly-run Derby and we had that question mark over his staying ability, but how dare we?

"He'd won a Victorian Derby, he's by American Pharoah, who's a Derby winner and went beyond that in the Preakness and the Belmont for the Triple Crown. I guess that's where he gets his stamina.

"Well done to the Kepitis team, they're great supporters of ours.

On the decision to go to the Derby above other options at 2000m: "We did it properly, we assessed after the Rosehill Guineas where he fits in and the form experts said go to the Derby. Simple as that."

Winning Jockey: James McDonald

On the winning ride: "I got inspired by Tyler's ride (On Celestial Legend). What he can do I can do better."

Was he ever worried: "I was at the 300, because he didn't spend a penny getting there but I could feel he was out on his feet because the distance range is as far as he wants but his will to win, tenacity and finding the line is incredible."

Is he a stayer?: "It's definitely not his trip, that's for sure, he was out on his feet but he's tough. He doesn't know how to run a bad race, he wears his heart on his sleeve, he's solid as a rock this horse and you'd love him at war with you."

On his 93rd G1 win and the pursuit of 100: "Jeez, it's a long, old slog."

On Debbie Kepitis and the owners: "They're so loyal and I love their passion for these horses, they just live and breath these horses and they bred this one, so he's extra special and I'm so rapt for them."

Beaten Jockeys:

Adam Hyeronimus (Tom Kitten): "Very strong over the 2400m today so the combination of that and the heavy track took its toll."

Blake Shinn (Ceolwulf): "He was brave. He ran an amazing race. Winner got the breaks up the middle. We had to come wide. Great race. He could turn the tables down the track. He's an exciting talent."

Nash Rawiller (Cap Ferrat): "He's a beautiful horse. I thought the trip on those testing conditions found him out a little bit. I could see him staying the trip later on."

Tim Clark (Ganbare): "He struggled a bit today in the conditions and at the 2400m."

Luke Currie (Immediacy): "Ran well. Just got caught a bit deep early. Once he got over he was good. Came off the bridle early and then stuck on well late."

Tommy Berry (Wymark): "Very proud of him. He's had a really good long prep. Beaten by some very seasoned campaigners."

Jay Ford (Noisy Boy): "First time seeing a wet track and he failed to handle the conditions."

Rachel King (Glad You Think So): "Massive run. He loved bowling along in front. The further the better."

Regan Bayliss (Adagio): "Probably a little outclassed and just going to need a spell now to come back a nice little stayer."

Chad Schofield (Zenmaster): "He struggled."

Jason Collett (Hooligan Tommy): "Over-raced and didn't finish it off."