Aidan O’Brien trained a record-equalling seventh winner of the Epsom Derby when Anthony Van Dyck powered up the rail to claim victory on Saturday.

The son of Galileo, ridden by Seamie Heffernan, was well back turning for home, but stayed on stoutly and benefitted from Heffernan’s decision to switch him left, allowing a clear run up the rail.

It was Heffernan’s first win in the race on what was his 12th try and O’Brien paid tribute to his long-time associate after the race: “Seamus is an unbelievable fellow. He is a world-class jockey and always has been. We’ve known each other a long time, even before we went to Ballydoyle, and I can’t tell you how delighted we are for him.

Heffernan added: “I’ve been around plenty of Derby winners – I rode his [Anthony Van Dyck] father [Galileo] in his trial and won. It means a lot to win. I’m always confident riding for Aidan, as anything can happen. It doesn’t matter whether they are favourite or a big price, he trains them all for the big day.

O’Brien had seven of the 13 runners in the race and five of the first six home. However it was 86-year-old Kevin Prendergast’s Madhmoon who came closest to the winner. The son of Dawn Approach, ridden by Chris Hayes, propelled himself to the front at entering the straight and fought on valiantly.

Hayes said after the race: “He a took a little stumble coming into the straight and it lit him up a little and I probably ended up in front too soon because of that.

“For a few seconds I thought I had it but it went from ecstasy to agony. Look, the winner has won well but maybe it could have been different on another day.”

The front two, along with the third Japan and the fourth Sir Dragonet, who was sent off favourite, could all meet again in the Irish Derby at the Curragh at the end of the month.