Epsom Derby 1-2-3-4-5 and full result after stewards enquiry as Christmas Day wins
Christmas Day claimed victory at the Epsom Derby. The gruelling 1.5-mile contest, worth £2million, at Epsom Downs Racecourse proved a stern test for both horses and jockeys, with treacherous conditions adding to the difficulty. However, the 7/1 shot Christmas Day, ridden by Ronan Whelan, emerged triumphant from the 14-horse field with King Charles and Queen Camilla watching on.
Maltese Cross, priced at 12/1, made a valiant effort to close the gap in the closing stages but was unable to match the relentless gallop of Christmas Day and had to settle for second place. James J Braddock (9/1) rounded off the podium in third, with Bay Of Brilliance and Alderman finishing fourth and fifth respectively.
Rebel Rocker and Pierre Bonnard came home in sixth and seventh, while Benvenuto Cellini, the race favourite, became mired in the pack and found himself at the centre of a stewards' enquiry following an incident at the start. Jockey Ryan Moore crossed the line in eighth but has since been declared a non-runner.
Ancient Egypt was consequently promoted one place.
Following Christmas Day's Epsom Derby victory, trainer Aiden O'Brien was seen celebrating the win, with Whelan later speaking to the press in stunned disbelief at his remarkable achievement.
Speaking to ITV Racing after the win, he said: "They just told me to keep it simple, when he is out in front he never gets it wrong. The horse has done it so easy, he loves the ground and it just felt so effortless for him.
O'Brien subsequently spoke to ITV Racing and said: "A lot of different people have rode this but he has done nothing but improve, so genuine, he stays and handles soft ground.
"Ronan gave him a beautiful ride, very straightforward, so delighted for the lads. If not for them, none of this would be happening. It's not me, it's everybody else. I'm a small part of it of such a big team. There is so many people I don't mention, people in the offices, and on the ground.
"My mum, dad and girlfriend are here, I can't thank them enough, the whole team, everybody, I've met friends for life, it hasn't sunk in."
When quizzed on the moment he knew victory was his, he added: "When we were running down the hill, I knew I had loads left. He just took it all on his stride. He is a credit to anyone who has anything to do with him."
Full Epsom Derby result1) Christmas Day
2) Maltese Cross
3) James J Braddock
4) Bay Of Brilliance
5) Alderman
6) Rebel Rocker
7) Pierre Bonnard
8) Ancient Egypt
9) Item
10) A Taste of Glory
11) Balzac
12) Action
13) Poker