on a dull, chilly day at epsom, never say die started a 33/1 outsider in a field of twenty-two runners for the derby. according to some accounts, he would have started at even longer odds if his memorable name and the publicity attracted by his eighteen-year-old jockey lester piggott had not made him a popular choice with many members of the public. the colt was always well-placed and was sent into the lead early in the straight by piggott. he won comfortably by two lengths from arabian night and darius. clark was ill in new york hospital and unable to attend the race, which saw never say die becoming the first american-bred derby winner since iroquois in 1881. never say die next contested the king edward vii stakes at ascot racecourse. in an extremely rough and unsatisfactory race he finished fourth behind rashleigh. piggott was immediately suspended by the racecourse stewards for his riding of never say die and was reported to the jockey club who extended the riding ban to six months.