Christmas Day won the 2026 Derby at Epsom, but the race was overshadowed by controversy after the favourite, Benvenuto Cellini, was declared a non-runner despite finishing 10th. The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt, the 3-1 market leader, was adjudged to have been denied a fair start after his hind leg became caught on the inside shelf of the starting stall. The decision to refund bets on the favourite drew widespread criticism from punters and bookmakers alike.
The stewards launched an inquiry immediately after the race, reviewing video footage that showed Benvenuto Cellini's left hind leg caught on the running board as the gates opened. Ryan Moore, the jockey, reported that the horse was effectively standing on three legs at the start and could not jump on terms with the field. The British Horseracing Authority's head of stewarding, Shaun Parker, explained that the horse's inability to race as intended—Moore had been instructed to take the horse forward—left the stewards with no choice but to declare him a non-runner.
The withdrawal triggered a Rule 4 deduction of 25p in the pound on all winning bets, though some bookmakers, including Coral and Boyle Sports, waived the deduction. The decision was met with strong criticism on social media, with many questioning the consistency of such rulings. The winner, Christmas Day, was not among the leading contenders in the betting, while Sondad, Invictus Gold, and Partisan Hero filled the minor places.
The Derby result was the highlight of a card that also featured the Northern Dancer Handicap, won by Too Soon, and the Lester Piggott Handicap, where Folk Pageant triumphed. The controversy surrounding Benvenuto Cellini is likely to dominate discussions in the racing world for days to come, as stakeholders debate the fairness of the non-runner ruling in a race of such prestige.
