Clearly there was a lot of controversy surrounding Benvenuto Cellini’s exclusion from the race at Epsom,” Ryan Moore felt this factor could have made a ‘significant difference’ for Benvenuto Cellini – along with thoughts of all his rides on Irish Derby race day.
The 2026 Betfred Derby at Epsom Downs delivered one of the most talked-about moments in recent Classic history when Benvenuto Cellini, the 3-1 favourite, was dramatically declared a non-runner after the race. The stewards’ inquiry, triggered by footage showing the colt’s near hind leg resting on the stall shelf as the gates opened, led to the decision under the British Horseracing Authority’s fair start rules. All bets placed after final declarations were refunded, leaving connections, punters, and racing enthusiasts debating the outcome long after the race.
Ryan Moore, who rode the Aidan O’Brien-trained son of Frankel, has since reflected on the incident. Speaking ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh on Sunday, June 28, the jockey acknowledged the controversy while highlighting how conditions and circumstances may have played a bigger role than the stalls drama alone. “Obviously there was a lot of controversy around Benvenuto Cellini being deemed a non-runner at Epsom,” Moore said. “He’s going to be back on nicer ground and that will make a significant difference to him.
He’s had two disappointing runs in his life and both of them were on slower ground, so hopefully he’ll be a lot happier on the quicker surface.”
Benvenuto Cellini had entered the Epsom Derby as one of the most promising colts of his generation. He impressed with a dominant performance in the Chester Vase on his seasonal reappearance, showcasing his speed, balance, and staying ability over the Derby trip. By Frankel out of Newspaperofrecord, a Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner, the colt carried high expectations into Epsom. Moore had been bullish about his chances beforehand, describing him as an uncomplicated horse with great balance and “most of the things you need to win a Derby.”
However, race day at Epsom brought challenges. The ground conditions appeared to favour soft-ground specialists, which did not suit Benvenuto Cellini’s preferred quick surface. Compounding this, the colt missed the break under Moore and was never able to reach a challenging position, eventually finishing tenth before the stewards’ ruling. The overhead footage confirmed the hind leg issue, but Moore’s comments suggest the surface was already a major factor.
Now, the focus shifts to the Curragh, where Benvenuto Cellini gets another shot in the Irish Derby. Moore has reaffirmed his faith by sticking with the colt for the €1.25 million Group 1 contest, setting up a fascinating rematch with stablemate Christmas Day, the Epsom winner. Aidan O’Brien saddles a strong team, including Pierre Bonnard, who was also below par at Epsom but could improve.
Moore provided further insight into his Ballydoyle runners. On Christmas Day, he noted: “He obviously showed he stays very well, but this will ask a slightly different question of him. He’s an uncomplicated horse though and he should give himself every chance.” For Pierre Bonnard, who disappointed at Epsom, Moore added that the ground may have been against him and that he could run much better from an inside stall on quicker going. He also sees potential for Action to bounce back, citing his solid Dante run and the prospect of better conditions.
Outside the O’Brien battalion, Moore identifies Joseph O’Brien’s Raaheeb as the primary threat. The unbeaten colt, a brother to Baaeed, won impressively on debut and in the Sandown Classic Trial. Though lightly raced and returning from a break, positive reports from his work suggest he has been trained specifically for this target. Moore also mentioned James J Braddock, third at Epsom despite misbehaving, as capable of improvement, while acknowledging that longer shots like Shaihaan and Bunyola Bay would need significant steps forward.
The Irish Derby field of eight runners promises a high-quality renewal, with Ballydoyle seeking a record-extending 18th success in the race. Benvenuto Cellini’s ability to handle the quicker Curragh surface, combined with Moore’s partnership, positions him as a strong contender to banish the Epsom memories. O’Brien has expressed confidence, noting the horse’s preparation since the Derby drama.
Beyond the main event, Moore shared thoughts on his other rides on a busy Irish Derby card, offering punters valuable perspective as a World Pool ambassador. In the 1.10 GAIN Equine Nutrition Irish EBF Fillies Maiden, he rides Alpha, who finished her debut at Leopardstown strongly and is expected to progress. For the 3.20 Dubai Duty Free International Stakes (Group 3), Isaac Newton steps up in trip and class after a recent Navan Listed win, though he faces a strong standard-setter in Purview from stall eight.
In the 3.55 Dubai Duty Free Celebration Stakes (Listed), Accredited sports first-time blinkers after mixed results and will need them to fire against higher-rated rivals. Finally, in the 5.15 Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort Maddenstown Handicap, Antigua, a recent Fairyhouse maiden winner, is viewed as competitive on a suitable mark, though the race features several lightly raced debutants.
This Irish Derby day carries extra significance following the Epsom controversy. The decision to declare Benvenuto Cellini a non-runner sparked widespread discussion about starting rules, fairness to punters, and the role of technology in stewarding. Some argued the ruling was overly harsh given the horse completed the race, while others supported the emphasis on a level playing field. Moore’s measured comments focus on the positives—returning to better ground and the chance for redemption—reflecting his professional approach amid the noise.
As racing fans look ahead to Sunday at the Curragh, Benvenuto Cellini’s story exemplifies the unpredictability and drama of the sport. A high-class prospect with pedigree and proven ability on quick ground, he now has the opportunity to showcase his true talent under Moore in a Classic rematch. Whether he can overcome the Epsom setback and deliver for the mighty Ballydoyle operation remains to be seen, but the jockey’s belief in the “significant difference” the surface could make adds considerable intrigue.
The day also highlights Moore’s enduring skill and insight as one of the world’s top jockeys. His detailed assessment of the entire card underscores why he remains a pivotal figure in big-race weekends. With quick ground likely to play to Benvenuto Cellini’s strengths, connections will be hopeful that Epsom becomes a footnote rather than a defining chapter. Irish Derby day promises excitement, competition, and perhaps another memorable performance from the Coolmore team.
