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The Betfred Derby Festival
That’s a wrap on another unforgettable Betfred Derby Festival.
We’re so glad you could join us for this year’s event. Out on the track, Christmas Day stormed to victory in The Betfred Derby, writing his name into history with a performance to remember in testing conditions.
Away from the racing, O Beach at Galileo’s brought the energy all day long, creating a buzzing atmosphere from morning through to the final race. DerbyFest kept the entertainment going with live performances from Pixie Lott, Lemar and Toby Anstis. While the weather wasn’t always on our side, it certainly didn’t hold things back.
Take a look back at some of the highlights below.
Christmas Day lit up the Classics with a powerful, unforgettable victory in The Betfred Derby, marking a landmark afternoon for trainer Aidan O’Brien and jockey Ronan Whelan. For Whelan, it was a first Classic triumph - his breakthrough moment on the biggest stage - while O’Brien recorded a remarkable 12th Derby success, once again underlining his dominance in the race.
Christmas Day tracked the leader and stablemate Action, before moving to the front inside the final three furlongs. He stayed on strongly to win by two and three-quarter lengths from Maltese Cross, with a further two and a half lengths back to James J Braddock in third.
Winning rider Ronan Whelan said: “It’s just very surreal. It all went so easily and felt so smooth. I knew when the rain came my lad would love it, and the stars really aligned for me."
“It sounds strange saying it, but I had a really good feeling down at the start. He felt great going to post, and once I got up beside Wayne and settled into my rhythm, I knew after a couple of furlongs I was going to run a big race.”
The King and Queen made a notable appearance at Epsom Downs Racecourse, arriving straight from the wedding of Peter Phillips, the son of the Princess Royal, to continue a busy day of public engagements. Despite their packed schedule, the royal couple took time to enjoy the atmosphere and take in the racing action. Their presence added to the sense of occasion, with crowds warmly acknowledging their arrival as they settled in to watch the day’s feature races unfold.
GIRL POWER AT EPSOM
For 25-year-old Laura Pearson, the victory was a moment to savour as she registered her maiden success at Epsom Downs aboard Sparks Fly in the Group 3 Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Sponsored by Chapel Down).
In the mile contest for fillies and mares, Pearson produced a ride full of confidence and conviction aboard the David Loughnane-trained seven-year-old. While six of the seven jockeys elected to switch towards the stands' side after rounding Tattenham Corner, Pearson stuck to the far rail and was rewarded in spectacular fashion.
Her judgement proved spot on as Sparks Fly powered clear up the home straight to record an emphatic eight-and-a-half-length victory.
Pearson said: “She’s aged like absolute fine wine. She’s improved every year for us. It’s massive for the team. Kayleigh, who rides her every day, says you can tell she’s a bit of a madam, she likes doing her own thing, so Kayleigh has done an absolutely incredible job with her.”
CHANGE OF VENUE FOR TEN BOB TONY
Ten Bob Tony (11-2) won the first staging of the Betfred Tattenham Corner Stakes at Epsom Downs, the opening contest on Derby Day.
The seven-furlong Group 3 was previously held at Haydock Park and known as the John Of Gaunt Stakes. Ironically, the last winner of the contest at its old venue was Ten Bob Tony, who prevailed in the 2025 running.
Witness Stand (12-1) put in a gallant effort to make all but was caught close home by Ten Bob Tony, with the five-year-old prevailing by a head.
Successful trainer Ed Walker said: “He just needs these conditions, and that was mega. It was very easy watching, and Kieran gave him a peach. He just relaxed, they went a nice pace, and a few of the fancied horses never got into it. It panned out really well."
SCOTT LANDS HIS FIRST GROUP 1
The £1 million Group 1 Coolmore Coronation Cup (Sponsored by Ocean Group) was billed as a clash between last year’s winner Jan Brueghel (9-4) and the world’s highest-rated horse Calandagan (5-4). Adding further intrigue to the six-runner field was Lambourn, last year’s Betfred Derby hero.
However, it was Bay City Roller (13-2) who stole the spotlight with a commanding display to secure Newmarket trainer George Scott a first domestic Group 1 success.
Partnered by champion jockey Oisin Murphy, the four-year-old son of New Bay travelled smoothly before asserting in the closing stages to win by 10 lengths from Jan Brueghel. Lambourn was five and a half lengths further back in third, with Calandagan fourth.
A delighted Scott paid tribute to those who have supported him on the journey.
He said: “I’m grateful to everyone on this journey, right back to the beginning. It’s so nice to share this with the people who have been with me from the start, and Billy Jackson-Stops, the horse, the owner - I can’t really believe it.
He’s a consummate professional, a freak of a horse. He just goes and does his job, trains hard every day, relishes his racing, and I’m so pleased he’s proven it today.”
