It’s not long now until the third Classic of the season takes place, so how many times has Aidan O’Brien won the Epsom Derby?
Aidan O’Brien Epsom Derby Winners: How Many Has He Had?
It’s fair to say that O’Brien has dominated the Epsom Derby in recent years as he has won the last three renewals, taking his total wins in the race to 11.
The Ballydoyle maestro will be searching for a fourth in a row this summer and once again has a solid chance.
No trainer has ever won the Derby four times on the bounce, so if O’Brien was able to do so then it would be a monumental achievement.
All of the action from Epsom will be LIVE on the ITV Racing schedule in June.
Galileo Was Aidan O’Brien’s First Epsom Derby Winner In 2001
The first Epsom Derby winner for O’Brien being GALILEO in 2001 is quite fitting, as he went on to become one of the most popular stallions around.
He was an easy winner of the Epsom Classic, and was an even easier winner of the Irish equivalent when landing the Derby double.
And his three-year-old season got even better when he won the King George at Ascot.
He would end his campaign with two defeats though, but didn’t lose too much in defeat considering he was down in trip on both of those starts – including the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
WATCH: Galileo Wins 2001 Epsom Derby
All 11 Aidan O’Brien Derby Winners
- Galileo (2001)
- High Chaparral (2002)
- Camelot (2012)
- Ruler of the World (2013)
- Australia (2014)
- Wings of Eagles (2017)
- Anthony Van Dyck (2019)
- Serpentine (2020)
- Auguste Rodin (2023)
- City Of Troy (2024)
- Lambourn (2025)
Aidan O’Brien Epsom Derby Hopes 2026
Chester has been a good pointer to O’Brien’s Derby challengers in recent seasons and BENVENUTO CELLINI was the latest to win there before heading to Epsom.
Benvenuto Cellini was an easy winner of the Chester Vase early on in May, and now looks to be the yard’s number one hope for the race.
In a recent stable tour, O’Brien said the stable couldn’t be happier with his Chester performance en route to Epsom.
WATCH: Benvenuto Cellini Lands Chester Vase With Ease
Brilliant from Benvenuto Cellini in the Boodles Chester Vase! 👏 @ChesterRaces pic.twitter.com/bHyYmraVQh
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 6, 2026
O’Brien also revealed that PIERRE BONNARD looks on track to run at Epsom too, and could be one of a few challengers.
Pierre Bonnard has lost on both of his starts so far this season, but the last at Leopardstown when losing by a short head to James J Braddock made it clear he needed a step-up in trip.
And it looks like he’ll be getting that with a trip to Epsom looking very likely.
As for CONSTITUTION RIVER, he also won at Chester like Benvenuto Cellini but O’Brien seems keen on sending him to the French Derby at Chantilly instead.
2026 Epsom Derby Race Information
📅 Date: Saturday, 6th June 2026
⌚ Time: 3:30pm
🏇 Racecourse: Epsom
🔄 Trip: 1m 4f
💷 Winner: £909,628.40
📺 TV: ITV Racing / Racing TV
2026 Epsom Derby Betting Odds
- Benvenuto Cellini 2/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Item 10/3 (Andrew Balding)
- Pierre Bonnard 5/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Maltese Cross 9/1 (William Haggas)
- James J Braddock 10/1 (Joseph O’Brien)
- Bay Of Brilliance 14/1 (Ralph Beckett)
- Ancient Egypt 16/1 (Charlie Johnston)
- Action 20/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Christmas Day 25/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Balzac 150/1 (Jane Chapple-Hyam)
- Poker 200/1 (Karl Burke)
- Rebel Rocker 200/1 (Faye Bramley)
- A Taste Of Glory 250/1 (Andrew Balding
- Alderman 250/1 (Richard Hannon)
Note: Derby betting odds are subject to change
You’ll be able to watch the action unfold live on the ITV Racing schedule this Saturday.
