Christmas Day wins 2026 Epsom Derby, O’Brien scores record 12th victory
Christmas Day surged to victory in the 2026 Epsom Derby, securing trainer Aidan O’Brien his remarkable 12th triumph in Britain’s most prestigious Flat race, reports BritPanorama.
The three-year-old, priced at 7/1, convincingly handled the 14-horse field in the £2 million contest held at Epsom Downs. This win marks another milestone for O’Brien, who had four runners striving for Derby glory.
Christmas Day was strategically placed in the race, tracking stablemate Action before making a decisive move as they approached the home turn. The horse, a son of 2012 Derby champion Camelot, proved too strong in the final stretch, crossing the line with an impressive two-and-three-quarter lengths advantage.
Jockey Ronan Whelan displayed skillful riding, navigating through the slick conditions resulting from persistent rain in the days leading up to the race. Many competitors struggled with the testing ground, while Whelan’s mount appeared to glide effortlessly.
The royal attendance added to the day’s glamour, with King Charles and Queen Camilla witnessing the event together, sheltered beneath an umbrella, as the race unfolded amidst challenging weather.
The race was not without its surprises; pre-race favourite Benvenuto Cellini, who was backed down from 2/1 to 3/1, faced difficulties in the starting stalls and was ultimately declared a non-runner following a stewards’ enquiry. Ryan Moore, initially crossing the line in eighth position, saw his hopes dashed.
Maltese Cross, a 12/1 shot, finished strongly to claim second place, though ultimately unable to match the winner’s relentless pace. James J Braddock completed the top three at 9/1, followed by Bay Of Brilliance and Alderman.
Overcome with emotion, Whelan shared his thoughts with ITV Racing, crediting his team and the horse’s performance. “They just told me to keep it simple; when he is out in front, he never gets it wrong,” he remarked. “The horse has done it so easy, he loves the ground, and it just felt so effortless for him.”
O’Brien, reflecting on his team’s collective effort, humbly stated, “It’s not me, it’s everybody else. I’m a small part of such a big team.”
As the dust settles on another Derby day, the victory serves as a testament to the enduring prowess of O’Brien’s stable, a reminder of the relentless pursuit of excellence within the sport.
