2026 Epsom Derby Results - Christmas Day hands O'Brien his 12th Derby
At the 2026 Epsom Derby, Christmas Day emerged as the impressive winner, outpacing Maltese Cross and James J Braddock. Despite being the market leader, Benvenuto Cellini was ruled a non-runner due to a stalls incident. The rain-softened ground and strong early pace shaped the race's outcome, favoring Christmas Day who secured a prominent early spot. King Charles III and Queen Camilla were present to witness this dramatic and memorable Derby.
- Christmas Day wins the Epsom Derby on June 6th
- Aidan O'Brien's star scores under young jockey Ronan Whelan
- Read a recap of the race and watch a replay of the finish here
14 talented colts took part in the 2026 Epsom Derby this afternoon, with King Charles III and Queen Camilla in attendance.
Benvenuto Cellini topped the betting for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore. However, the rain that fell at Epsom throughout Epsom Derby Day was unlikely to suit the market leader, and Benvenuto Cellini was a little weak in the betting, drifting out to 3/1 before the off.
Christophe Soumillon rode Ballydoyle second string Pierre Bonnard to victory in a Group One on heavy French ground last season, and it was that form that saw O'Brien's colt backed towards the head of the market. Christmas Day and Action also represented Aidan O'Brien, and both were expected to be up with the early pace.
Colin Keane rode the unbeaten Item for Andrew Balding, with James J Braddock representing Friday's Oaks-winning trainer, Joseph O'Brien. Maltese Cross and Bay Of Brilliance went toe to toe in the Derby Trial at Lingfield, and renewed rivalries on the Downs.
Ancient Egypt was a big drifter on the day, with connections fearing their runner wouldn't handle the rain-softened ground. Rebel Rocker was looking to go one better than when second in the Blue Riband Trial at Epsom. Alderman, A Taste Of Glory, Balzac and Poker all went off at triple-figure prices.
2026 Epsom Derby Result
| Position | Name | SP |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Christmas Day | 7/1 |
| 2nd | Maltese Cross | 12/1 |
| 3rd | James J Braddock | 9/1 |
| 4th | Bay Of Brilliance | 10/1 |
| 5th | Alderman | 100/1 |
| 6th | Rebel Rocker | 66/1 |
| 7th | Pierre Bonnard | 4/1 |
| 8th | Ancient Egypt | 28/1 |
As expected, Action and Christmas Day went straight to the front. Aidan O'Brien wasn't happy with the slow early fractions set in the Oaks on Friday, so it was no surprise to see the Ballydoyle pacemakers set off at a fairly strong gallop.
Item sat more prominently than expected, with Ancient Egypt and Balzac sitting in the front rank. James J Braddock, who played up beforehand, was held up under Dylan Browne McMonagle. Benvenuto Cellini and Pierre Bonnard were both restrained early.
Action took the lead at the top of the hill, with Ronan Whelan looking confident aboard Christmas Day. Pierre Bonnard tried to make up some places at the top of the hill, but was forced to race wide as the field angled into the home straight.
Action kept towards the inside rail, with Christmas Day drifting towards the centre of the track. The chasing pack all started to come under pressure, but it was Christmas Day who charged into the lead.
Whelan's mount soon opened up a commanding advantage, and it was going to take a good one to peg him back. Maltese Cross powered into contention, and James J Braddock tried to make inroads from the rear. However, a prominent early position clearly made the difference for Christmas Day, who cruised across the line as an impressive winner of the Epsom Derby.
Maltese Cross and James J Braddock completed the podium places. Bay Of Brilliance threatened for a while, but was running on empty in the closing stages and was almost beaten into fourth by outsider Alderman, who ran a stormer in fifth.
Benvenuto Cellini got off to a shocking start, and was actually deemed a non-runner after it was confirmed that his hind leg was trapped in the stalls as they opened. Item and Pierre Bonnard faded tamely down the home straight. The remainder of the field struggled in the ground.
2026 Epsom Derby Live Stream
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