Aidan O’Brien has confirmed that Epsom Derby winner Christmas Day will head to the Curragh for a fascinating rematch with Benvenuto Cellini.
Christmas Day Searching For Derby Double
After winning the Epsom Derby convincingly, Christmas Day’s summer plans have been confirmed.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien was speaking to the Racing Post about the future plans of his Derby hero.
WATCH: Christmas Day Scores In Derby
The Ballydoyle handler also spoke about Benvenuto Cellini, saying that we will see a “different horse” next time after the drama at Epsom.
It sounds like both will head to the Irish Derby next, where they currently battle each other for favouritism.
“Benvenuto seems fine, he’s been 100% since he got home. We didn’t learn anything about him at all at Epsom. It wasn’t conclusive in any way.
“He was obviously slow away and then trapped out wide. He was stopped in his run in the straight and it just didn’t happen for him on the day. He’s such a beautiful mover, but didn’t get a chance to show it on that ground.
“We’re just putting a line through that run and it’s very possible he will go to the Curragh for the Irish Derby next where we think you will see a different horse.
The Curragh Will Suit Christmas Day – O’Brien
“Christmas Day is great, there’s not a bother on him. His form was there for all to see. When you look back on it and through all his runs, he actually had very solid form. Any time he was beaten, we thought there was a reason for it, so I’d say he’s just a very good colt.
“The Irish Derby would look a strong possibility for his next start and you’d imagine the Curragh would suit him very well. He’s a real genuine colt who keeps galloping, he’s relentless.”
2026 Irish Derby Odds – Aidan O’Brien Pair Close In Market
See the latest Irish Derby betting odds below, where O’Brien has the front two in the market.
- Benvenuto Cellini 5/2 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Christmas Day 3/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Raaheeb 5/1 (Owen Burrows)
- James J Braddock (Joseph O’Brien)
- A Boy Named Susie 8/1 (Donnacha O’Brien)
- Constitution River 8/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Hawk Mountain 12/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Montreal 12/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Causeway 14/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Endorsement 16/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Pierre Bonnard 16/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Bay Of Brilliance 20/1 (Ralph Beckett)
