Record-Breaking Derby Win
Aidan O'Brien Achieves Historic 12th Epsom Derby Victory Amid Challenging Conditions
Anonymous
Christmas Day delivered Aidan O’Brien his record-extending 12th Epsom Derby win, giving the Irish trainer a fourth consecutive triumph in the 247th running of Britain’s premier race. Ridden by Ronan Whelan at 7-1, the Camelot colt took command after Tattenham Corner, held off the late challenge in soft, rain-affected conditions, and won comfortably with Maltese Cross second and James J Braddock third. The day was overshadowed by a stewards inquiry into the favourite Benvenuto Cellini, one of O’Brien’s other runners, who was declared a non-runner after his hind leg was caught on the starting stalls and found not to have received a fair start. Bettors who backed Cellini were refunded, while those backing the winner or other placed horses faced a deduction that some bookmakers temporarily waived amid post-race betting confusion. O’Brien and Whelan credited clear tactics and the horse’s suitability for the ground, while spectators including King Charles and Queen Camilla were in attendance.
Key Points
1
Christmas Day’s winning time was the slowest since Teenoso won on heavy ground in 1983, with the race run in strong winds and intermittent driving rain.
2
The Derby win also marked Aidan O’Brien’s 50th Betfred British Classic triumph—his first British Classic success coming 28 years earlier with King Of Kings (1998/2000 Guineas).
3
O’Brien emphasized the stable effort behind the landmark win, saying: “It is unbelievable, but I am just a small part of a huge team.”
4
France24 reported it was O’Brien’s second Derby inside a week—after he trained the first three home in the French Derby (last Sunday).
5
Regarding Benvenuto Cellini’s non-runner status, stewards invoked rule H6; the Daily Mail noted it was a “huge shock” because the colt appeared to have caused the starting-stalls issue himself, and the rule is intended for problems stemming from starting-stalls malfunctions or circumstances outside a horse’s/jockey’s control.
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