Ronan Whelan on Christmas Day has won the 2026 Epsom Derby in thrilling fashion. Maltese Cross finished in second while James J. Braddock came in third.
The 1.5-mile race at Epsom Downs Racecourse, famous for its dramatic initial climb and the sweeping downhill stretch at Tattenham Corner, again proved challenging with the shocking weather also not helping matters.
However, Christmas Day took the lead with a few furlongs remaining and was able to hold on with King Charles and Queen Camilla watching on.
In fourth place was Bay Of Brilliance with Alderman finishing fifth. Rebel Rocker and Pierre Bonnard followed after that in sixth and seventh, respectively.
Favourite Benvenuto Cellini got lost in the pack and was later at the centre of a stewards enquiry for an incident at the start of the race. Jockey Ryan Moore went on to finish
Trainer Aiden O’Brien was captured celebrating the triumph with Whelan later interviewed and clearly in disbelief at his achievement.
Speaking to ITV Racing after the win, he said: “They just told me to keep it simple, when he is out in front he never gets it wrong. The horse has done it so easy, he loves the ground and it just felt so effortless for him.
“My Mum, Dad and girlfriend are here, I can’t thank them enough, the whole team, everybody, I’ve met friends for life, it hasn’t sunk in.”
When asked when he realised he was going to win, he added: “When we were running down the hill, I knew I had loads left. He just took it all on his stride. He is a credit to anyone who has anything to do with him.”
He was cheered into the winners’ enclosure before he fist-bumped the ITV camera.
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