Christmas Day captured the Group 1 Epsom Derby at Epsom Downs on June 6, 2026, by 2¾ lengths under jockey Ronan Whelan [1, 2, 3]. The three-year-old colt, sired by Camelot—the 2012 Derby winner—was sent off at long odds of 32 to 1 after a third-place finish in the Group 2 Dante Stakes at York [1, 2, 3].
This victory marked trainer Aidan O’Brien’s record-extending 12th Epsom Derby win and his fourth consecutive triumph following victories in 2023, 2024, and 2025 [1, 2, 3]. O’Brien praised Christmas Day, saying, "He’s done nothing but improve this horse. He’s so genuine, he stays and handles soft ground." He added, "Ronan gave him a beautiful ride. He was so confident on him, and I’m delighted for the lads (Coolmore), I couldn’t be happier." O’Brien also noted the horse’s lineage, saying, "It’s unbelievable that he’s by Camelot, who won the Derby for us as well when (son) Joseph (O’Brien) rode him and Joseph’s horse (James J Braddock) ran well today." [1]
Ronan Whelan, a key Ballydoyle jockey who previously won two Group 1 races including the 2025 Irish 1000 Guineas, credited the horse’s affinity for the ground and his effortless performance. "The horse did it so easily. He loved the ground and it felt so effortless for him. I can’t thank everyone enough – Aidan, the whole team, Mr (John) Magnier, the whole ..." Whelan said [1].
Maltese Cross, trained by William Haggas, finished second. James J Braddock, trained by Joseph O’Brien and ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle, came in third [1, 2, 3]. Maltese Cross and Bay Of Brilliance had finished first and second in the Listed Lingfield Derby Trial Stakes on May 9, which is considered a key Derby trial [1, 2, 3].
The 2,400-meter race carried a prize of £2 million (S$3.44 million) [1, 2, 3]. Christmas Day’s win underlined O’Brien’s dominance at Epsom Downs and added to his legacy in flat racing.
Next on the calendar for Ballydoyle-trained horses are several summer classics across Europe, where they will seek to build on the Derby success.
