Authorized (horse) appeared at the time to be the best performance in any of the 2007 Trial races for the Epsom Derby and Authorized was made favourite for the race. Media attention ahead of the Derby focused on Frankie Dettori who, despite winning all the other British Classics at least twice each, had so far failed to win the Derby in 14 attempts. For the race itself, run at Epsom Downs Racecourse on 2 June 2007, Authorized was a clear favourite at odds of 5 to 4, and justified the odds by winning by five lengths in a fast time. Dropped back
Ian Balding Berkshire, to his son Andrew. Balding was trainer of the winning horse, Mill Reef (1968–1986), ridden by Geoff Lewis, in the 1971 The Derby Stakes or Epsom Derby. The winning time was recorded at 2:37.14. Balding was again Mill Reef's trainer when the horse won the 1971 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, France. Philanthropist Paul Mellon was Mill Reef's owner and the horse was again ridden by jockey Geoff Lewis. The purse won was €1,600,000. Mill Reef was introduced to racing older horses at Sandown Park in the Eclipse Stakes. With the same owner and