Derby Runner a Dream Come True for George

Features | 5^th June 2025

George Griffiths will be rubbing shoulders with racing’s superpowers when a horse he owns a share in runs in the world’s greatest Flat race, the Betfred Derby at Epsom on Saturday (7^th June).

Lazy Griff, who is named after the 29-year-old, represents George and 23 other part-owners in Middleham Park Racing’s German-bred colt, who is trained in North Yorkshire by Charlie Johnston.

The son of Protectionist was confirmed for the £1.5 million Classic following a pleasing work-out on Middleham Moor at the weekend. “It’s incredible,” says George, who runs a commercial property business. “My wife Amy and some good friends will be making the trip with me from our home in Cirencester.

“I’ve only seen him race once and that was at Royal Ascot last summer but now we’re going to Epsom on Derby Day with a runner in the famous race. Seeing my name up there with the likes of Godolphin and Ballydoyle is surreal.”

George bought a quarter share in the colt after reading about him in a mail shot and had the privilege of naming him – but why Lazy Griff? “It’s not a reflection on me, though my wife may disagree,” he jokes.

“Being German bred the rules for some reason stated he had to have a name beginning with the letter ‘L’. We considered Lord Griff but that seemed pretentious so we opted for Lazy as it was a bit different. He’s certainly not a Lazy horse but it’s a fun talking point.”

Despite his ante-post odds of 150-1, Middleham Park’s racing manager Mike Prince believes Lazy Griff has the credentials to run a big race for his syndicate, who will be out in force on the Downs this weekend.

“He won a Group 3 in France on his final start at two and then finished second to Aidan O’Brien’s Lambourn in the Chester Vase last month,” he says. “Lambourn had a fitness edge over our horse but only beat us a length and a half yet is as short as 12-1 with some bookmakers.

“Lazy Griff had a bit of a setback after that run but looks right back to his best and Charlie couldn’t be happier with him. If the ground isn’t too quick I could see him in the first six, which would be amazing for his owners.”

Bought in Germany for 75,000 euros as a yearling, Lazy Griff’s owners also include German racing enthusiasts Jurgen Bosch and Luis Kimmel, who will be hoping the colt also takes his chance in the German Derby next month.

“Jurgen can’t make it to Epsom but Luis, who is a keen follower of the racing scene in Germany, will be there with three friends so it will be a special day for him, too,” adds Mike.

Lazy Griff has already given his owners that day out at Ascot, finishing unplaced in the Listed Chesham Stakes, but after winning a Beverley novice in July took his form to a new level with a Listed placing in France and victory in the Group 3 Prix de Conde at Chantilly in September.

“I’m pinching myself,” adds George. “To be involved in a horse as good as this is beyond all expectations. I just can’t wait for the big day but know I’ll have a sleepless night on Friday.”

Derby Runner a Dream Come True for George

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