- Christmas Day wins 2026 Epsom Derby
- Benvenuto Cellini declared a non-runner, despite running in the race
- Aidan O’Brien wins Derby for a 12th time
The 2026 Epsom Derby result saw the Aidan O’Brien-trained Christmas Day power home through the testing conditions to land the English Classic on a rain-soaked Saturday at Epsom.
The victory gave jockey Ronan Whelan a memorable first Derby success and also provided Aidan O’Brien with a record-extending twelfth win in the race.
O’Brien’s more fancied runner, Benvenuto Cellini, who was sent off favourite, was never able to get involved and eventually finished well down the field.
However, in a remarkable twist, he was later declared a non-runner after appearing to trap a hind leg in the starting stalls as the race got underway.
Maltese Cross and James J Braddock filled the minor placings, taking second and third respectively.
2026 Epsom Derby Result
🥇 CHRISTMAS DAY (1st 7/1)
🥈 Maltese Cross (12/1)
🥉 James J Braddock (9/1)
- Winning Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
- Winning Jockey: Ronan Whelan
- Winning Owner: Magnier, Tabor, Smith, Westerberg, Brant
CHRISTMAS DAY wins the 2026 Derby.
— Stephen R Power (@racingblogger) June 6, 2026
🏆🤩 A phenomenal 12th win in the race for the master of Ballydoyle Aidan O’Brien. pic.twitter.com/lWYYYuhnr7
2026 Epsom Derby Result: Christmas Day Comes Early To Land English Classic
Most punters sided with Aidan O’Brien’s impressive Chester Vase winner Benvenuto Cellini heading into the 2026 Epsom Derby.
However, it was Ballydoyle’s fourth-string runner, CHRISTMAS DAY, who delivered the latest Derby gift for the legendary Irish trainer.
Ridden by Ronan Whelan, who was celebrating his first success in the race, Christmas Day was well supported in the hours leading up to the off, eventually being sent off at 7/1.
He duly justified that confidence with a powerful performance on a rain-soaked Epsom track.
Benvenuto Cellini Declared A Non-Runner – But Ran In The Race!
Favourite Benvenuto Cellini, a son of Frankel, never really got involved in the contest.
In a highly unusual twist, he was later declared a non-runner despite completing the race.
The colt appeared to get his left hind leg partially trapped in the starting stalls and the stewards subsequently ruled that he had not received a fair start.
Regardless, he was always towards the rear of the field and never looked likely to threaten the principals, despite the efforts of four-time Derby-winning jockey Ryan Moore.
Maltese Cross, owned by Hollywood film producer George Waud, ran a fine race to finish second for trainer William Haggas, while James J Braddock took third for owner and ITV Racing pundit Kevin Blake.
Christmas Day’s victory in the 2026 Epsom Derby provided Aidan O’Brien with a record-extending twelfth success in the world-famous English Classic.
Epsom Derby Winners From The Last 10 Years
- 2026 – Christmas Day (7/1)
- 2025 – Lambourn (13/2)
- 2024 – City Of Troy (3/1 fav)
- 2023 – Auguste Rodin (9/2)
- 2022 – Desert Crown (5/2 fav)
- 2021 – Adayar (16/1)
- 2020 – Serpentine (25/1)
- 2019 – Anthony Van Dyck (13/2)
- 2018 – Masar (16/1)
- 2017 – Wings of Eagles (40/1)
