Royal Ascot 2024 saw record-breaking trainer wins and increased attendance, but a significant draw bias towards high-numbered stalls on the straight course overshadowed the event. Owners and trainers expressed frustration over perceived unfairness, impacting race outcomes and potentially future participation.
Aidan O’Brien achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first trainer to saddle 100 Royal Ascot winners with Scandinavia's victory in the Gold Cup. The win also marked a generational shift as the eight-year-old Trawlerman was defeated by the four-year-old Scandinavia.
Ombudsman delivered a commanding performance to win the Prince of Wales's Stakes, beating last season's Oaks and Arc winners, Minnie Hauk and Daryz. Jockey William Buick eased the 11-10 favorite to a four-length victory, showcasing exceptional acceleration. Trainer John Gosden praised the horse's class and turn of foot, with the Juddmonte International at York a potential next target.
Christmas Day wins the 2026 Derby on soft ground, with the race marred by controversy over the declaration of favourite Benvenuto Cellini as a non-runner due to a starting issue, resulting in a 25p Rule 4 deduction for backers.
Christmas Day, at 7-1, wins the 247th Derby under Ronan Whelan, while favourite Benvenuto Cellini is declared a non-runner due to a start issue, prompting a 25p in the pound deduction for Christmas Day backers, waived by some bookmakers.
Analysis of contenders for the 2026 Epsom Derby, including form, pedigree, and odds.
Analysis of top contenders for the Derby and Oaks, including Timeform ratings, odds, and trainer insights, with Constitution River and Legacy Link highlighted as strong prospects.
True Love, trained by Aidan O'Brien and ridden by Wayne Lordan, won the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket on Sunday, beating 18 rivals by one and three-quarter lengths. The 5-1 second-favourite triumphed as stable companion Precise, the 9-5 favourite, faded tamely in the final quarter-mile. O'Brien now has eight wins in the Classic, one short of the all-time record held by Robert Robson.
Nineteen runners contest the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket with Precise, winner of the Fillies' Mile, installed as warm favourite to give Aidan O'Brien an eighth victory in the Classic, one shy of Robert Robson's record of nine wins between 1818-1827. O'Brien has not won since Mother Earth's 2021 success. Venetian Sun, owned by Brighton & Hove Albion chairman Tony Bloom, is prominent in the betting, while the Pretty Polly Stakes and Dahlia Stakes also feature on the card.
