Andy Newton
Aidan O’Brien has revealed that Epsom Derby winner Christmas Day is set to head to the Irish Derby at the Curragh later this month, where a highly anticipated rematch with Benvenuto Cellini could be on the cards.
Christmas Day Targeting Irish Derby Success
Following his impressive victory in the Derby at Epsom, plans are beginning to take shape for Christmas Day’s next outing.
Speaking to the Racing Post this week, O’Brien outlined the likely route for his latest Classic winner.
Plus also shared his thoughts on stablemate Benvenuto Cellini, whose Epsom Derby race has been covered in controversary after being declared a non-runner due to an incident in the starting stalls.
WATCH: Christmas Day Winning The 2026 Epsom Derby
The Ballydoyle trainer believes the Epsom horse racing result did not tell the full story when it came to Benvenuto Cellini and expects a much stronger showing next time.
With the son of Frankel a non-runner after getting one of his hind legs caught in the starting stalls – despite still jumping out and running in the race.
Aidan O’Brien said “Benvenuto seems fine, he’s been 100% since he got home. We didn’t learn anything about him at all at Epsom. It wasn’t conclusive in any way”.
“He was obviously slow away and then trapped out wide. He was stopped in his run in the straight and it just didn’t happen for him on the day. He’s such a beautiful mover, but didn’t get a chance to show it on that ground.”
“We’re just putting a line through that run and it’s very possible he will go to the Curragh for the Irish Derby next where we think you will see a different horse.”
At present, both horses feature prominently in the betting for the Irish Derby, with a clash between the pair looking increasingly likely.
O’Brien Confident Curragh Will Play To Christmas Day’s Strengths
While Benvenuto Cellini is expected to bounce back, O’Brien was equally upbeat about the condition of Christmas Day following his Epsom triumph.
“Christmas Day is great, there’s not a bother on him. His form was there for all to see. When you look back on it and through all his runs, he actually had very solid form. Any time he was beaten, we thought there was a reason for it, so I’d say he’s just a very good colt.”
“The Irish Derby would look a strong possibility for his next start and you’d imagine the Curragh would suit him very well. He’s a real genuine colt who keeps galloping, he’s relentless.” Said O’Brien
With both colts expected to line up at the Curragh, the Irish Derby is already shaping up to be one of the most intriguing rematches of the season on Sunday June 28th.
When Is The Irish Derby?
Irish Derby Race Information 2026
- Date: Sunday 28th June 2026
- Time: 4:35pm
- Racecourse: Curragh
- Trip: 1m4f
- Winner: €712,500
- TV: Racing TV
Irish Derby Betting Odds 2026
- Benvenuto Cellini 5/2 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Christmas Day 3/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Raaheeb 5/1 (Owen Burrows)
- James J Braddock (Joseph O’Brien)
- A Boy Named Susie 8/1 (Donnacha O’Brien)
- Constitution River 8/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Hawk Mountain 12/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Montreal 12/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Causeway 14/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Endorsement 16/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Pierre Bonnard 16/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Bay Of Brilliance 20/1 (Ralph Beckett)
- Action 25/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Italy 33/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Puerto Rico 33/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Cannes 33/1 (Joseph O’Brien)
- Ancient Egypt 40/1 (Charlie Johnston)
- Isaac Newton 40/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- Proposition 40/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
Note: Irish Derby betting odds are subject to change
Aidan O’Brien Irish Derby Wins (17)
Top Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien has won the Irish Derby a record 17 times.
With his first coming in 1997 with the Christy Roche-ridden Desert King.
And his most recent, the 2025 Epsom Derby winner Lambourn – who followed up at the Curragh in the Irish Derby later that season.
- 1997 – Desert King
- 2001 – Galileo
- 2002 – High Chaparral
- 2006 – Dylan Thomas
- 2007 – Soldier of Fortune
- 2008 – Frozen Fire
- 2009 – Fame and Glory
- 2010 – Cape Blanco
- 2011 – Treasure Beach
- 2012 – Camelot
- 2014 – Australia
- 2017 – Capri
- 2019 – Sovereign
- 2020 – Santiago
- 2023 – Auguste Rodin
- 2024 – Los Angeles
- 2025 – Lambourn
WATCH: Galileo Winning The Irish Derby in 2001
Last 10 Irish Derby Winners
- 2025 – Lambourn 8/13 (Aidan O’Brien)
- 2024 – Los Angeles 13/8 (Aidan O’Brien)
- 2023 – Auguste Rodin 4/11 (Aidan O’Brien)
- 2022 – Westover 11/8 (Ralph Beckett)
- 2021 – Hurricane Lane 4/1 (Charlie Appleby)
- 2020 – Santiago 2/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- 2019 – Sovereign 33/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- 2018 – Latrobe 14/1 (Joseph O’Brien)
- 2017 – Capri 6/1 (Aidan O’Brien)
- 2016 – Harzand 4/6 (Dermot Weld)
WATCH: Lambourn Winning The Irish Derby in 2025
