Christmas Day clinched the Derby at Epsom on June 6, ridden by Ronan Whelan, marking trainer Aidan O'Brien's 12th victory in the Classic race [1, 2]. The horse, a 7-1 son of 2012 Derby winner Camelot, pulled away in the final stages to win by about two and three-quarter lengths [1, 2].
Ronan Whelan said, "I went by the line and I couldn’t believe I won so easy. Aidan told me to keep it simple. The horse done it so easy – he loves the ground and it felt so effortless" [2]. Whelan also noted the horse thrived on the soft, rain-soaked ground conditions, which favored Christmas Day's performance [1, 2].
Maltese Cross finished second under jockey Tom Maquand, while James J Braddock, ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle, took third place [1, 2]. The race saw a disappointment for the favorite Benvenuto Cellini, also trained by O'Brien, who was declared a non-runner after his hoof got caught in the starting stalls, causing an unfair start [2].
Christmas Day’s victory reinforced O'Brien’s dominance in the Derby, extending his record total wins to 12 [1, 2]. The race day’s soft and rain-soaked course conditions seemed to suit Christmas Day perfectly, aiding the decisive win.
The next major target for Christmas Day has not yet been announced.
