Christmas Day, ridden by Ronan Whelan, won the Betfred Derby at Epsom, reveling in the rain-soaked soft ground to give trainer Aidan O'Brien a 12th win in Britain's premier Classic.
Race Summary
The 7-1 shot was up with the pace from the start and the result never looked in danger soon after entering the straight, staying on strongly to the line and repelling a late challenge from Maltese Cross.
Winning rider 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. Thank God my mum and dad and my girlfriend are here. I wish I was as cool a customer as the horse was. He's a gent and a credit to all who work with him."
Race Dynamics
Christmas Day, the mount of Ronan Whelan, was the supposed O'Brien third string, albeit at a well-supported 7-1, but he was always perfectly positioned in behind his pacesetting stablemate Action and edged to the front rounding the home turn.
While several horses, including his two better-fancied stablemates, struggled to make up ground in the testing conditions, the son of 2012 Derby hero Camelot galloped on strongly to win by two and three-quarter lengths, with Maltese Cross best of the home team in second and James J Braddock third.
Unfortunate Start for Favourite
The favourite Benvenuto Cellini, also trained by O'Brien, got off to a dreadful start in the race with one of his hooves being caught in the stalls. The stewards called an enquiry with every likelihood that he could be declared a non-runner owing to an unfair start.
Quick Guide: Greg Wood's Sunday Tips
- Goodwood: 1.50 Toyotomi, 2.25 My A'Ali Baba, 3.00 Undercover Affair, 3.35 Rose Ghaiyyath, 4.10 Hermetic, 4.45 Arabian Crown (nb), 5.20 Blue Prince (nap)
- Perth: 2.07 Trigg, 2.42 Betteryouthanme, 3.17 Scots Poets, 3.52 Newtown Rambler, 4.27 Riskintheground, 5.02 Sir Carnegie, 5.37 Leader Wing
