The Irish Derby is the most prestigious flat race in the country. It is the highlight of the Classic season in Ireland, with the Curragh playing host to a double-winning victory for Lambourn after his Epsom success a year ago.
Christmas Day attempts to do the same this year, and secure a fourth successive victory for Aidan O’Brien in this race. GG tipster Joe Napier previews the race, but prefers a British challenger to end the Ballydoyle dominance.
2026 Irish Derby Runners
Aidan O’Brien trains half of the eight-strong field for the Irish Derby. Controversial Epsom non-runner Benvenuto Cellini looks set to be the stable’s number one back on better ground. The chestnut galloped on strongly to win the Chester Vase on a quicker surface before getting stuck in the mud at Epsom. He was tenth across the line despite the non-runner verdict, but Ryan Moore looks to keep the faith.
Stablemate Christmas Day delivered for O’Brien anyway in the Derby. It was striking how strongly he kept on galloping on the Downs and his Ballysax Stakes win came with good in the going description. This faster ground may ask a question, but he looks a versatile, honest sort, who should once again give his running from the front.
Pierre Bonnard and Action now look avoidable given both should have coped with the going at Epsom. It is possible neither liked the track, but it is difficult to have confidence that either can be the Ballydoyle hero under these conditions.
Both Donnacha and Joseph O’Brien have chances too, the O’Briens being the only Irish trainers represented. Shaihaan looks an unlikely outsider for the youngest member of the family, but James J Braddock was third at Epsom for Joseph, staying on strongly from the back. He has each-way chances for all there should be at least one better in this field.
Meanwhile, the British-trained pair are both very interesting opponents for the O’Brien brigade. Raaheeb stormed to victory in the Classic Trial at Sandown and his pedigree is immaculate. Being a full brother to both Baaeed and Hukum may mean his reputation precedes his price, but the manner of his Sandown success was one of a very good horse. The extra distance here should suit and his trainer has been patient.
Bunyola Bay is more of a wildcard, but he too could go well and at much lengthier odds. He won the Gowran Park Classic to gain entry here and while that form throws up mixed signals, a generous reading is fair given the margin of victory and some of the horses he beat. He too could run into a place.
2026 Irish Derby Racecard
Awaiting racecard…
Irish Derby Trends 2026
Dave Young has already compiled the key stats to follow for the 2026 Irish Derby in his dedicated trends article.
2026 Irish Derby Tips
It is no foregone conclusion that Benvenuto Cellini beats Epsom hero Christmas Day among the O’Brien runners. The latter has form on good going, so both remain protagonists. However, they are vulnerable to British challenger Raaheeb, who can score for Owen Burrows. His trainer has been patient in skipping Epsom after his runaway Sandown Classic Trial success. The full brother to Baaeed and Hukum should have no stamina fears based on his exceptional pedigree and should be primed for his first big day. Benvenuto Cellini shades the verdict for second.
- Raaheeb
- Benvenuto Cellini
- Christmas Day
FAQ
When and where is the Irish Derby?
The Irish Derby will take place at Curragh racecourse on Sunday 28 June, 2026 at 4.35pm.
How can I watch the Irish Derby on Sunday?
The Irish Derby is live on Racing TV at 4.35pm on Sunday.
When were the Irish Derby tips published?
The tips for the Irish Derby were published at 11.18am on Friday 26 June.
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