Christmas Day Wins The Epsom Derby In Stunning Style

Christmas came early for Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien as he extended his record to 12 Epsom Derby wins after Christmas Day romped home in Saturday’s Classic.

The son of 2012 Derby winner Camelot, with Ronan Whelan in the saddle, pulled out from just behind Action before surging away in the final stages and storming to the finish line.

Maltese Cross, ridden by Tom Maquand, was second, while James J Braddock, with jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, came in third.

“It was just so easy,” Whelan told ITV Racing. “Aidan just told me to keep it simple.

“The horse has done it so easy. He loves the ground and it just felt so effortless for him.”

Christmas Day’s win gave Ballydoyle handler O’Brien his 50th triumph in a British Classic.

“He’s done nothing but improve this horse, he’s so genuine and he stays and handles soft ground,” said O’Brien. “Ronan gave him a beautiful ride, he was so confident on him.”

“Everyone knows I’m a small part of a big team at Ballydoyle, there’s a lot of people doing lots of jobs, in the offices, on the ground, people I don’t mention.

“It’s unbelievable that he’s by Camelot, who won the Derby for us as well when Joseph [O’Brien] rode him and Joseph’s horse [James J Braddock] ran well.”

O’Brien had four runners in the race with Christmas Day, Action, Pierre Bonnard and favourite Benvenuto Cellini, who was declared a non-runner as he still had a leg on the side of the stalls as they opened.