Christmas Day Wins Derby, Secures Aidan O'Brien's 12th Victory

AI Summary

Christmas Day, ridden by Ronan Whelan, won the Derby at Epsom, securing Aidan O'Brien's 12th victory in the prestigious race. The 7-1 shot performed exceptionally in rain-soaked soft ground conditions.

Christmas Day's Dominant Performance

Christmas Day won the Derby at Epsom for trainer Aidan O'Brien, revelling in the rain-soaked soft ground to give his handler a 12th win in Britain's premier Classic.

The Race Details

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.

Ronan Whelan's Reaction

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."

The Impact of the Win

Christmas Day, the mount of Ronan Whelan, was the supposed O'Brien third string, albeit it at a well-supported at 7-1, but he was always perfectly positioned in behind his pacesetting stablemate Action and edged to the front rounding the home turn.

The Future Outlook

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.