Ronan Whelan secured his first Epsom Derby win aboard Christmas Day, while the favourite Benvenuto Cellini was declared a non-runner due to a stalls incident.
The 2026 Epsom Derby delivered a mix of triumph and drama, culminating in a historic victory for Ronan Whelan aboard Christmas Day. The race, held on June 6, 2026, saw Whelan claim his first Derby win, adding another chapter to the legendary career of trainer Aidan O’Brien.
The victory was not without controversy, as the pre-race favourite, Benvenuto Celliniwas declared a non-runner following a stewards’ inquiry. This decision added a layer of complexity to the race, affecting the betting market and the outcomes for many punters.
The Victory of Christmas Day
Christmas Daya son of the Coolmore stallion Camelotemerged victorious by two-and-three-quarter lengths over Maltese Crossridden by Tom Marquand. The win marked the 12th Derby victory for trainer Aidan O’Brienmaking him the first trainer to win the race four consecutive years.
This achievement follows the successes of Lambourn (2026), City Of Troy (2026), and Auguste Rodin (2026).
The victory also marked O’Brien’s 50th British classic win, a milestone that began with King Of Kings in the 1998 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. Whelan, reflecting on his win, stated, “The stars aligned.” His ride on Christmas Day was described as smooth and confident, with the jockey noting the horse’s love for the rain-soaked conditions.
The Controversial Non-Runner Decision
The drama unfolded post-race when Benvenuto Cellinithe 3-1 favourite, was declared a non-runner. The incident occurred when the horse’s hind leg got caught on a rail in the stalls, causing him to miss the break. Stewards ruled that the favourite was denied a fair start, leading to a refund for his backers and a 25p in the pound deduction for those who bet on Christmas Day.
Shaun Parkerthe British Horseracing Authority’s head of stewarding, explained the decision: “We noted that he was very slowly into stride and was second-last shortly after the start and was really on the back foot.” This ruling, based on Rule H6, has been a point of contention, with some arguing that the decision was too harsh.
The Impact on the Betting Market
The decision to declare Benvenuto Cellini a non-runner sent shockwaves through the betting market. Bookmakers like LadbrokesCoraland Boylesports waived the deduction for Christmas Day’s backers, while others adhered to the rule. The chaos in the betting ring highlighted the unpredictability of horse racing and the significant impact of stewards’ decisions on the outcomes.
Whelan’s victory on Christmas Day was a testament to the horse’s improvement and adaptability. O’Brien noted, “He’s done nothing but improve. He’s so genuine and he stays, and handles soft ground.” The win positioned Christmas Day as a strong contender for the Irish Derby at the Curragh later in the month.
The 2026 Epsom Derby will be remembered for its dramatic twists and the historic achievements of Ronan Whelan and Aidan O’Brien. The race served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of horse racing, where every stride can change the course of history.
