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Christmas Day hands O'Brien a 12th Epsom Derby victory
🇮🇪 Ireland /Sports

Christmas Day hands O'Brien a 12th Epsom Derby victory

From RTÉ News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Jockey Ronan Whelan rode Christmas Day to victory in the Betfred Derby at Epsom, securing trainer Aidan O'Brien's 12th win in the prestigious race.
  • Christmas Day, considered the third string from O'Brien's stable, won by two and three-quarter lengths in challenging conditions.
  • Maltese Cross finished second, with James J Braddock taking third place in the 50th British Classic for O'Brien.

Jockey Ronan Whelan guided Christmas Day to a commanding victory in the Betfred Derby at Epsom, marking trainer Aidan O'Brien's 12th triumph in the historic race. The Ballydoyle handler had four runners vying for his dozen wins in the blue riband, which also represented his 50th British Classic.

Christmas Day, ridden by Whelan, was not the most fancied of O'Brien's contenders but was well-supported at 7-1. The horse was expertly positioned behind stablemate Action and took the lead rounding the home turn. While other runners, including O'Brien's more favored entries, struggled with the testing conditions, Christmas Day, a son of the 2012 Derby hero Camelot, maintained a strong gallop.

The colt ultimately won by a comfortable two and three-quarter lengths. Maltese Cross secured second place, with James J Braddock finishing third, completing a strong showing for the O'Brien stable.

Christmas Day provided Aidan O'Brien with his 12th victory in the Betfred Derby at Epsom.

— RTÉ NewsReporting on the race outcome.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by RTÉ News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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