Nijinsky's opposition in the Derby at Epsom was stronger, and he started at odds of 11/8. His rivals were headed by the French-trained colt Gyr. The veteran French trainer Etienne Pollet had delayed his retirement for a year to guide Gyr, a son of his champion Sea-Bird, through his three-year-old season. Nijinsky was held up by Piggott as usual before moving forward in the straight by which time Gyr was in front and moving clear. Two furlongs from the finish, Piggott used his whip on Nijinsky. The favourite responded immediately, catching Gyr in a few strides and pulling ahead to win by two and a half lengths. The winning time of 2:34.68 was the fastest Epsom Derby since 1936. Nijinsky's time for the last two furlongs of the race (10.6 and 11.25 seconds, respectively) was of sprint championship winning standard. Piggott claimed that he was "always cantering" while Bill Williamson, who rode Gyr, said that "Nijinsky was just too good."