Benvenuto Cellini Wins Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at The Curragh

Benvenuto Cellini, the 7/4 favorite, triumphed in the 2026 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at The Curragh, with Ryan Moore securing a one-and-three-quarter length victory over Christmas Day.

The 2026 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at The Curragh on Sunday, June 28, was a day of redemption and triumph for Benvenuto Cellini and jockey Ryan Moore. The chestnut colt, who had been controversially declared a non-runner in the Betfred Epsom Derby earlier in the month, showcased his resilience and skill to claim victory in the premier Irish classic.

Aidan O’Brien, the master trainer behind Benvenuto Cellini, achieved his 18th success in the Irish Derby, a testament to his enduring prowess in the sport. The victory was made even sweeter by the fact that O’Brien’s stable also secured the runner-up and third-place positions, with Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard completing the podium.

This remarkable feat ensured a 1-2-3 finish for the owners at Coolmore who had four runners in the eight-horse field.

The Road to Victory

The journey to victory for Benvenuto Cellini was not without its challenges. The colt had faced a setback at Epsom when he caught his hind leg in the stalls, leading to a disadvantageous start.

This incident, combined with the soft ground at Epsom, which was unlikely to suit him, cast doubts on his chances. However, the rain stayed away at The Curragh, providing good ground conditions that favored Benvenuto Cellini.

Ryan Moore, who remained loyal to Benvenuto Cellini despite the setback at Epsom, made a strategic move to bring the favorite back to last in the early stages of the race. This allowed him to grab the inside rail and improve into mid-division. As the field quickened approaching the turn-in, Christmas Day took over the lead, but Moore switched Benvenuto Cellini out to challenge. The colt found another gear 110 yards out and, despite hanging right, ran on well to score by a length and three quarters.

Aidan O’Brien’s Insights

Aidan O’Brien expressed his delight in the victory, highlighting the difficult decision Ryan Moore had to make. “I’m delighted for Ryan because it was a very difficult decision,” O’Brien said. He praised Moore’s quick thinking and strategic riding, which ultimately led to the victory. O’Brien also noted that Ryan Moore prefers to race at a mile and a quarter rather than going any further than a mile and a half.

O’Brien reflected on the importance of the mile-and-a-half races, stating, “Those mile-and-a-half races are so important to everything; they’re important to the breed.” He emphasized the historical significance of the Epsom Derby, citing notable winners like Galileo, Sea The Stars, and Australia, who have become important stallions. O’Brien’s support for the Epsom Derby and staying horses has been unwavering, despite recent criticisms.

The Future of the Derby

John Magnier, a key figure at Coolmore, commended the performance of Christmas Day and reflected on the recent news that geldings are to be allowed to run in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Magnier expressed his reservations, stating, “I hope they don’t let the geldings into the Arc. I think most of the purists would be against it.” He emphasized the importance of the Arc as one of the real races and the potential impact of including geldings.

Magnier also highlighted the significance of recent Derby winners, such as City Of Troy and Auguste Rodin, in the future of Coolmore Stud. He noted that these horses, along with Galileo, have been crucial to the stud’s success. Magnier’s reflections underscore the enduring importance of the Derby and the breed as a whole.