Post-race jockey reports from the 2025 Australian Derby

This is what the jockeys had to say after the running of the Australian Derby at Randwick on Saturday.

Damian Lane and Aeliana return to scale after winning the Australian Derby at Randwick on Saturday. Photo: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images.

Aeliana was backed as if unbeatable in the Australian Derby and she proved just that with a tearaway victory in the Group 1 showpiece at Randwick on Saturday.

Jockey Damian Lane had the only filly in the race in the gun one-one position in transit and turning for home there was only going to be one winner of the mile-and-a-half contest.

Trained by Chris Waller, Aeliana becomes just the 10th filly to upstage the boys in the history of the Derby, much to the joy of punters, who backed the top flight filly into a $2.20 favourite.

Finishing second was Firm Agreement which backed up his top second at Rosehill on Tuesday, while Shanwah filled third.

The Derby goes to the filly! 🤩

Aeliana destroys them in the G1 Australian Derby, and just how good is she?!@cwallerracing | @LaneDamian | @StarTbreds | @aus_turf_club | @WorldPoolpic.twitter.com/pXfg6xnL1v

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 5, 2025

New Zealand Derby hero Willydoit finished a courageous fourth after being planted three wide in the run.

This is what the riders thought of their mount’s performance in the Australian Derby.

1st - AELIANA (Damian Lane) She was extraordinary. She left the barriers well, just travelled great from the outset and felt a winner a long way out.

2nd - FIRM AGREEMENT (Tyler Schiller) I think he is one of the most improved in that race. Has come through his last ruin terrific on Tuesday. Gee he has done a good job to run that trip out today. Bring on Queensland.

3rd - SHANWAH (Blake Shinn) He was a bit slow out. Got a pair further back. Had a great run. Just a question mark at a strong 2400m.

4th - WILLYDOIT (Michael Dee) Super effort. Tried hard. Was tough and honest. Will improve next prep.

5th - KING OF THUNDER (Zac Lloyd) He ran really well. Got himself into position. A bit one-paced up the straight. Only been beaten a length for second.

6th - PLYMOUTH (Mark Zahra) Ended up in front. Had a lovely lead. Just found a bit wanting late.

7th - GOLDEN CENTURY (Nash Rawiller) I thought he ran well. It wasn’t really a staying test. He got out sprinted when the pressure went on. He still found the line. He is a typical kiwi bloke who is still putting it together.

8th - POCKETING (Joshua Parr) He finished off well. Just dictated to by a slow tempo.

9th - AUTUMN AROHA (Chad Schofield) I thought he was brave. Got the trip nicely.

10th - THEDOCTOROFLOVE (Daniel Moor) I thought he performed pretty bravely. He was caught a little wide from a sticky draw finding the back of Willydoit. Looked like he was going to drop out but rallied well late.

11th - GOLDRUSH GURU (Jamie Melham) That wasn’t much fun. When the tempo slackened the whole way my horse had his head up the whole way with no control. Wouldn’t have been a pretty watch.

12th - MUSTANG MORGAN (Craig Williams) I was disappointed with his final performance and result. Had a lovely run throughout. Unless there is something underlying he felt like he didn’t really try too hard. Interested to see how he comes through the run.

13th - CONFETTI GARDEN (Tommy Berry) It has all happened a bit too quick for him at the moment. He is a nice stayer for the future next prep.

14th - TSITSIPAS (Ben Melham) No luck posted on a limb.

15th - IMPERIALIST (Ryan Moore) Didn’t provide a comment.

16th - FLYING ARGENTO (Reece Jones) Felt like a messy race. Every time he dropped the bit something would drop in front or whiz around him.

17th - BERNEN WIN (Tom Sherry) Just a bit of strength this stage of his career.

18th - KOSUKE (Ashley Morgan) He was alright. Just wants another lap.

Originally published as Post-race jockey reports from the 2025 Australian Derby