Ruler Of The World provided Aidan O’Brien with a fourth Investec Derby and maintained his unbeaten record as he pounced to score under Ryan Moore at Epsom.

Dawn Approach failed to settle from very early on and Kevin Manning felt he had no option but to take up the running on the approach to Tattenham Corner, but the writing was on the wall some way out for the hot favourite, who eventually finished last.

Ruler Of The World (7-1) showed a smart turn of foot to pass his stablemate Battle Of Marengo and go clear, but there were plenty in pursuit and and with the gap closing at the line, Libertarian flashed home to claim second, with Galileo Rock in third. The distances were a length and a half and a short head.

Moore said: “I wanted to be a bit closer, but I just didn’t get away very well and it was a very messy race. I had no option but to go on when I did, I knew he’d stay the trip very well but I got there a bit soon and he was very green.

“He’s improved a lot from Chester and he’ll get further. He’s got a really likeable attitude. I knew the others were coming because I’d gone too early, but he really toughed it out and showed a very good attitude.”

O’Brien added: “We’re just so lucky, we get these incredibly bred horses and even before they are mated the dream is for this to happen. The owners understand the game so much, they are given all the information and usually come up with a plan and we try and carry it out.

“All the jockeys had their own plan and all the horses were doing their own thing and that is just the way it ended up.

“This horse was impressive at Chester (winning the Chester Vase) and won like a very good horse. It’s incredible, we’re very privileged to be in the position we are.”

Coolmore supremo John Magnier said: “Joseph had his choice (of what to ride from the Ballydoyle runners) and Aidan thought this horse was the next best. That’s why the Derby is such an interesting race, as it is all unfolding.

“The weather has been so difficult, we haven’t really been on the grass much and if you try to find out everything at home, you are not going to win the Derby.”