Irish Derby Runners 2026: 11 confirmed including Epsom winner Christmas Day

11 horses have been confirmed for Sunday’s Irish Derby at the Curragh. Christmas Day, the Epsom Derby hero, will bid to achieve back-to-back British-Irish Derby doubles for Aidan O’Brien.

Christmas Day was guided to success at Epsom in dire conditions. The son of Camelot galloped relentlessly down the cambers to defeat Maltese Cross, but remains a horse with a point to prove. Better ground and a more traditional course layout could test him.

Similarly, he is only the second favourite ahead of the headline race. Stablemate Benvenuto Cellini was the centre of controversy at Epsom as he was deemed a non-runner by the stewards. The chestnut colt had a leg up on the stalls as the gates were opened. Though he only crossed the Epsom finish line in tenth, the potential revolution in conditions may well enable him to get back to his best.

O’Briens the only Irish trainers represented

Both Pierre Bonnard and Action also ran that day, but were well-held, though could both represent Ballydoyle once again. Aidan’s son Joseph O’Brien, meanwhile will send out Derby third James J Braddock. The Leopardstown Derby Trial winner finished strongly in the mud that day from an inopportune track position.

It is an all family affair for the O’Briens, with Donnacha confirming A Boy Named Susie, fourth in the French Derby last time out, and the Group places Shaihaan. No other Irish stable is represented, with Aidan lastly involving Causeway. He may not be declared though, after winning recently at Royal Ascot.

Three British raiders will attempt to wrestle the prize away from home shores. Raaheeb is the most intriguing of those. The full-brother to Baaeed and Hukum is bred for the top level and impressed in Sandown’s Classic Trial. His decorated siblings achievements suggest 1m4f will be an ideal distance.

Ralph Beckett has nominated Derby fourth Bay Of Brilliance to travel over. He was second in Lingfield’s Derby Trial behind the Epsom runner-up, so his form continues to stack up. Bunyola Bay is the wildcard in the pack, earning his entry by winning the Gowran Classic for Richard Hannon.

2026 Irish Derby Runners