Betfred Derby |
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| Group 1, Epsom Downs 16:00 £2,000,000 guaranteed 3yo only, 1m, 4f, 10y  |
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1 Christmas Day 7/1
2 Maltrese Cross 12/1
3 James J Braddock 9/1
13 ran NR: Benvenuto Cellini
Distances: 2¾l, 2½l, 2l Time: 2m 43.75s (slow by 8.15s)
𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐌𝐀𝐒 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐁𝐘! ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/aksUSYD7eC
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) June 6, 2026
Christmas Day emerged from the shadows of his more fancied stablemates to hand Aidan O’Brien a record-extending 12th Betfred Derby victory at Epsom and the 50th British Classic success of his remarkable career.
Sent off as Ballydoyle’s apparent third string behind market principals Benvenuto Cellini and Pierre Bonnard, the son of Camelot was nevertheless strongly supported and justified that confidence with a thoroughly professional display under Ronan Whelan.
Always travelling comfortably behind stablemate Action, who set the pace, Christmas Day moved smoothly to the front turning for home and quickly had his rivals under pressure in testing conditions.
While several leading contenders struggled to pick up in the soft ground, Christmas Day continued to gallop relentlessly to the line, powering clear to beat Maltese Cross by two and three-quarter lengths, with James J Braddock staying on for third.
“He’s done nothing but improve, this horse. He’s so genuine, he stays and he handles soft ground,” said O’Brien.
“Ronan gave him a beautiful ride, he was so confident on him and I’m delighted for the lads. I couldn’t be happier.
“I’d imagine he looks an obvious type for the Irish Derby. He’s so uncomplicated, he stays and he’s genuine, so you’d have to think it would suit him perfectly.”
The victory provided a dream moment for Whelan, whose role within the Ballydoyle operation has grown significantly over the past 18 months.
“The horse did it so easily, he loved the ground and it felt so effortless for him,” said Whelan.
“When we were running down the hill I knew I had loads left. He took it all in his stride, he’s a gent and a credit to everyone who has anything to do with him.
“To be riding here for these connections in this atmosphere, it is the stuff of dreams and it hasn’t really sunk in.”
Although unable to challenge the winner, Maltese Cross lost little in defeat with a brave runner-up effort for William Haggas and owner George Waud.
The Lingfield Derby Trial winner was attempting to give his owner, best known for producing the Hollywood film Snakes on a Plane, the biggest success of his racing career and emerged with enormous credit after chasing home the winner.
“We’re all really enjoying this moment, it’s absolutely unbelievable that we’ve ended up in the frame in the Derby,” said Waud.
“It’s not the Derby because it’s easy, it’s the Derby because it’s the hardest, most challenging, greatest race in the world – and we just came second!”
Haggas and jockey Tom Marquand were equally proud of the colt’s effort, believing he had once again demonstrated the toughness and honesty that had carried him to Epsom.
“Tom said he ran his heart out,” said Haggas. “He’s really tough, honest and genuine.”
Marquand added: “Everything went perfect for us. The winner was very good, but our lad has run fantastic and we’ve got a really fun horse for the rest of the year.”
Third-placed James J Braddock also enhanced his reputation for Joseph O’Brien, despite expending plenty of energy before the race in the preliminaries.
The Leopardstown Derby Trial winner kept finding all the way to the line and his connections were left wondering what might have been had he settled better beforehand.
“He ran a stormer and we are very, very proud of him,” said part-owner Kevin Blake.
“He showed some immaturity in the prelims, but it’s something that can be fixed. He hit the line really well and it’s only the fifth run of his life.
“For a horse like him to end up here and be placed in a Derby, we’ve all got such a kick out of it. It’s the greatest race in the world.”
There was further drama after the race when favourite Benvenuto Cellini, who finished 10th, was declared a non-runner by the stewards.
Video evidence showed the Chester Vase winner had a hind leg trapped on the inside shelf of the stalls when the gates opened, leaving Ryan Moore unable to execute pre-race instructions to race prominently.
Following an inquiry, officials ruled the incident had materially affected the colt’s chance and ordered all stakes on the favourite to be refunded, although Rule 4 deductions subsequently applied to winning bets.
“Ryan said his intention was to take the horse forward and be positive,” explained BHA head of stewarding Shaun Parker.
“We could see shortly after the start he was on the back foot from the outset and we didn’t feel we had any choice but to declare him a non-runner.”
Betfred Derby (Group 1)
£2,000,000 guaranteed, 3yo only, 1m 4f 10y, Class 1
13 ran
Going: Soft
Previous Winners
