It was another gun Hugh Bowman ride delivering the results with the master hoop getting the job done with an arrogant four length win in the Queensland Derby 2017 aboard the Ciaron Maher-trained favourite Ruthven.

Ruthven claimed a maiden Group 1 win with an excellent performance in the 2017 Queensland Derby. Photo by: Steve Hart

Caulfield horseman enjoyed a cheeky Group 1 second the race before with his lightly-raced filly Aloisia in the JJ Atkins, but went one better taking out this year’s $600,000 Group 1 Channel Seven Queensland Derby (2200m) with the always-honest Ruthven.

A perennial runner-up this campaign, Maher’s Domesday colt came into the Queensland Derby at Doomben having finished second in four of his past five starts.

Fourth in the ATC Derby at Randwick in April, his lead-up run into the Group 1 in Brisbane produced the close second behind Volatile Mix on May 13 in the Group 1 SA Derby (2500m).

A freshen-up between runs had him in perfect form for the Queensland Derby over 2200m, Ruthven becoming the first winner of the race to back directly up off a SA Derby run since Magicool (2015) two years ago.

After the Queensland Derby barrier draw on Wednesday, Ruthven was the best backed horse in the winter feature jumping $3.40 in betting and he didn’t disappoint.

Away well from the barriers, the top fancy settled just off the pace set by the Chris Waller-trained Wu Gok who took up the lead in the early stages.

Mid-race, Bowman decided to take control of the speed and inject pace into the event to turn it into a more genuine staying showdown.

He rolled forward off the rails and crept up on Ruthven who held the lead into the turn.

Dominant to the end, Ruthven was well out on the straight giving his rivals something to chase.

Nothing came close however and on the line Ruthven held a four length winning margin over the fast-finishing Darren Weir-trained Rockstar Rebel.

Backing-up off a Queensland Oaks eighth just last weekend, the Stuart Webb-trained Ana Royale finished a brave third to round out the Queensland Derby trifecta as the sole filly in the race.

Having partnered Ruthven for an import Tuesday morning gallop earlier in the week, Bowman rode the Queensland Derby winner like a good thing and the tactics paid off for the season’s leading Group 1 winning rider.

“An amazing win,” Bowman declared post-race.

“I just had confidence in his staying ability. I took a lot of confidence out of riding him on Tuesday morning and I knew he had a strong will.

“Today I just tried to keep his mind on the job and didn’t he deliver in fine style.”

Ruthven became the first Queensland Derby favourite to salute since Hawkspur (2013) and handed Bowman with his first victory in the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival classic.

Get behind the Queensland Derby 2017 winner Ruthven next campaign in the spring at the right price online through Ladbrokes.com.au – Australia’s premier bookmaker.

2017 Queensland Derby Results & Finishing Order

Doomben Race 7 – 10/06/2017