The fields for the Epsom Oaks and Derby have now been declared. Excited owners will be preparing their plans for the day, while the draw has also been made to the joy of some and detriment of others.
Here is today’s racing news round-up for Thursday.
Epsom Derby: 14 declared as Benvenuto Cellini drawn 12
14 horses have been declared for the 2026 Epsom Derby on Saturday. The festival has been revamped to create greater interest in the historic Classic, which begins at 4pm. Only three horses have been removed since confirmations on Monday, all of them trained by Aidan O’Brien. However, the master of Ballydoyle still has a strong hand, training four of the 14 declarations, including hot favourite Benvenuto Cellini. Leading British chances Item and Maltese Cross were both declared too. (The Sun)
Benvenuto Cellini was drawn in stall 12 on Wednesday lunchtime. That is the stall both Australia and Serpentine emerged from for their Derby victories for O’Brien. Conversely, there was bad news for stablemate Action, who was drawn in the neighbouring stall 11 from which no Derby winner has broken since stalls were first used in the race in 1967. Stall two also has a hoodoo attached. Balzac was drawn in that stall for Jane Chapple-Hyam. (At The Races)
One owner of note enjoying his first Derby runner this Saturday is ITV Racing’s Kevin Blake. He owns the Joseph O’Brien-trained James J Braddock. Blake is the racing manager for the yard and produced a famous moment on last year’s ITV coverage when predicting the first three horses home in the 2025 Derby. James J Braddock is around a 12/1 chance for glory. (Racing Post)
Epsom Oaks: Precise out as nine declared
A field of nine will contest the Epsom Oaks for the second year running. The relatively small field is dominated by runners from Aidan O’Brien and Ralph Beckett’s yards, with both trainers saddling three runners apiece. However, one horse not declared by O’Brien was Precise. Too much rain has fallen for the Irish 1000 Guineas heroine to take her chance. Legacy Link, for the Gosden yard and owners Juddmonte, has also been declared. (Thoroughbred Daily News)
Expensive breeze-up purchase makes successful debut before Royal Ascot
Senorita Bonita won on debut at Nottingham on Wednesday. The filly was an expensive 900,000gns purchase by owners Victorious Forever during the breeze-up sales. Sent into training with Simon and Ed Crisford, she was a well-backed odds-on favourite on Wednesday and narrowly got the job done by a short-head. A tilt at the Queen Mary Stakes or Albany Stakes is likely at Royal Ascot later this month. (Racing Post)