The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has released a blog in the aftermath of the controversial 2026 Epsom Derby. They have further explained the reasoning for the decision to declare favourite Benvenuto Cellini a non-runner.
Here is the racing news today rounded up for Tuesday.
Epsom Derby: BHA back stewards after arrests made at big meeting
The BHA have backed Epsom’s stewards after the conclusion of the Derby on Saturday. Favourite Benvenuto Cellini disappointed in crossing the line in tenth before being ruled a non-runner due to having his hind leg up in the stalls. The BHA clarified that the position of Benvenuto Cellini’s leg before the starting stalls opened was different to a horse rearing up after the gates. As a result, the non-runner decision was the only possible conclusion. (BHA)
Fights on Epsom Derby day led to multiple arrests according to local police. Six men were arrested due to altercations on Saturday at the conclusion of racing. Officers addressed the incident just after 6pm on Saturday, about two hours after Christmas Day won the big race. A crowd of over 28,000 were present on Saturday despite adverse weather conditions. This represented the highest crowd on the day for three years. (BBC)
One positive in the aftermath of Saturday is the wellbeing of Calandagan. The world’s highest-rated flat horse was well beaten in brutal conditions in the Group 1 Coronation Cup. Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard said in his immediate post-race interview that he regretted running the five-year-old. However, Graffard noted on Sunday that “he’s fine, ate up well, and recovered quickly.” A repeat bid for the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes remains on the radar. (Sporting Life)
Royal Ascot: American sprinter and promising British juvenile ruled out
Top American sprinter Cy Fair has been ruled out of Royal Ascot. Trainer George Weaver has said the filly has failed to impress in her work in the build-up. Cy Fair won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint last October. She beat the Aidan O’Brien-trained Brussels into second that day. However, as she would have had to travel this week, Weaver believed she would not be ready in time. Her target would have been the King Charles III Stakes. (Racing Post)
Hickory Lad is another horse who will not run at the royal meeting. Phillip Makin’s charge claimed the Listed Woodcote Stakes at Epsom during the Derby meeting. He blitzed his rivals from the front, leading to a potential tilt at the Coventry Stakes. However, the short gap between those two premier meetings means Makin will save him for other targets. The July Stakes at Newmarket and the Richmond Stakes at Glorious Goodwood were mentioned. (At The Races)