Christmas Day has stormed to victory in the 2026 Epsom Derby, handing trainer Aidan O’Brien his remarkable 12th triumph in Britain’s most prestigious Flat race.
The three-year-old, backed at 7/1, proved too strong for the 14-horse field in the £2million contest at Epsom Downs this afternoon.
It’s a record-extending achievement for the Ballydoyle handler, who had four runners in his quest for a dozen Derby wins.
The son of 2012 Derby champion Camelot was always well positioned throughout the 1.5-mile contest, tracking stablemate Action before making his decisive move approaching the home turn.
Christmas Day, ridden by Ronan Whelan, stormed to victory at the Epsom Derby
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REUTERS
Jockey Ronan Whelan delivered a masterclass in the saddle, keeping things beautifully simple as his mount powered through the testing ground.
The weather had been dreadful, with rain falling through Friday night and continuing throughout Saturday’s card, leaving conditions that proved tricky for many runners.
King Charles sheltered beneath an umbrella while Queen Camilla joined him to witness the spectacle unfold.
Christmas Day pulled clear in the closing stages, opening up a commanding advantage of two-and-three-quarter lengths at the line.
While several fancied runners struggled to find their stride in the soft going, Whelan’s mount handled it effortlessly.
Christmas Day pulled clear in the closing stages, opening up a commanding advantage of two-and-three-quarter lengths at the line
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GETTY
The drama didn’t end there, though.
Pre-race favourite Benvenuto Cellini, who had been backed down from 2/1 to 3/1 just before the off, encountered problems in the starting stalls and was subsequently declared a non-runner following a stewards’ enquiry.
Jockey Ryan Moore had initially crossed the line in eighth position before the decision was made.
Maltese Cross, at 12/1, ran a cracking race to claim second spot for the home team, though he simply couldn’t match the winner’s relentless gallop in the final furlong.
James J Braddock completed the frame at 9/1, with Bay Of Brilliance and Alderman rounding out the top five.
Whelan was visibly overwhelmed when speaking to ITV Racing afterwards.
King and Queen hand out prestigious trophy at Epsom just hours after watching Peter Phillips wedding
“They just told me to keep it simple, when he is out in front he never gets it wrong,” he said. “The horse has done it so easy, he loves the ground and it just felt so effortless for him.
“My mum, dad and girlfriend are here, I can’t thank them enough, the whole team, everybody, I’ve met friends for life, it hasn’t sunk in.”
O’Brien, ever the team player, deflected praise to those around him.
“It’s not me, it’s everybody else. I’m a small part of it of such a big team,” he said.
