Benvenuto Cellini took the Irish Derby in fine style at the Curragh on Sunday. Aidan O’Brien had won the French Derby last month, again followed home by two stablemates. Earlier this month, Ballydoyle recorded another Epsom Derby victory, though Benvenuto Cellini was controversially voided due to catching his leg on stalls.
There was no mistake this time, as Benvenuto Cellini toppled Epsom Derby winner Christmas Day to retain connections’ faith. Ridden in rear under Ryan Moore, he made smooth headway around the outer and swiftly loomed upsides the leaders. The response was imminent once Moore pushed the button, clearing away well despite hanging right.
Speaking to Racing TV after, Ryan Moore said: “He has a lot of quality, he showed that at Leopardstown last year and he did at Chester. Epsom was just a mess. Obviously we had the stalls and everything, but with the ground being the way it was. That was the only time I’ve ridden in the Derby when we haven’t stayed on the far side.
“It was an unusual set of circumstances. The way Epsom gets when it’s like that you have to be close to the pace. Because of what happened he had no hope.
“He’s still a little bit babyish. There’s nothing wrong with his temperament. Unfortunately at Epsom the horse beside me kicked out, he kicked out and we made a mistake. But slowly those things are getting ironed out, hopefully he’ll continue to learn and continue to do things better.”
On his decision to retain the partnership with Benvenuto Cellini, Ryan Moore said: “I spoke with Aidan as I rushed through the airport on Friday morning. We decided we’d stick with him hoping the ground was going to be nicer and we believed he had quality.”
Aidan O’Brien considers future plans for Benvenuto Cellini
It was an impressive 18th Irish Derby for Aidan O’Brien, who stated after: “I’m delighted for Ryan because it was a difficult decision. A lot of people put a lot of hard work into it and I’m grateful to them all.”
Going forward, on the winner, O’Brien said: “”Benvenuto is a beautiful mover with a lot of class. Ryan felt we’d rather go back to a mile and a quarter than go any further than a mile and a half, so that’s class. He could go to the King George, or if he needs a break he’ll have a break. The Grand Prix de Paris might come too soon. I’d imagine he might have a little rest and could go for the Irish Champion Stakes or something like that.”
On Christmas Day, O’Brien said: “Christmas Day will probably be going the Leger route, he’ll stay very well.”