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Horse Racing-Trainer O'Brien Dominates Elite Field in Revamped Epsom Derby

On Saturday, elite three-year-old colts contest the $2.7 million Epsom Derby at Epsom Downs, with trainer Aidan O'Brien pursuing a record-extending 12th victory in the premier Classic.
General Manager Jim Allen of Epsom Downs Racecourse led an 18-month revitalization effort, deploying a 6 million-pound investment to boost prize money to 2 million pounds and reverse record-low 2025 attendance.
O'Brien describes the Derby as the "ultimate test," fielding hot favourite Benvenuto Cellini among four contenders and stating, "We're very happy with him, he's a beautiful moving horse."
Amo Racing head Kia Joorabchian seeks his first Derby victory with an expensive purchase, while trainer Charlie Johnston of 14-1 shot Ancient Egypt stressed, "And they don't come any bigger than the Derby."
While Allen acknowledges a fashion for speed over the last 40 years has challenged the Derby's relevance, he insists it remains the ultimate goal for owners and the sport's premier marker of champion stallions.

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France24

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Radio France Internationale

Center

Irish racing great O'Brien bids to make Epsom Derby history

6 days ago·France

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Liverpool Echo

Center

Horse Power: Benvenuto Cellini to win the Betfred Derby at Epsom

Aidan O'Briens three-year-old can grab victory in the Colts' Classic at Epsom while Jan Brueghel, Pacific Mission, Never So Brave, Lexington Blitz, Strike Red, Starlight Time, Give It To Me Oj, Brazilian Rose, Yaaser, Wee Mary, Rose Of Honour, Billyjoh and Little Ted can also be Saturday scorers

6 days ago·Liverpool, United Kingdom

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Reuters

+2 Reposted by 2 other sources

Center

Horse racing-Trainer O'Brien dominates elite field in revamped Epsom Derby

6 days ago·New York, United States

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The Herald Scotland

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O’Brien eyes 12th Derby victory in ‘ultimate test’ of a thoroughbred

Benvenuto Cellini leads the charge for Ballydoyle at Epsom.

6 days ago·Scotland, United Kingdom

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The Independent

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Aidan O’Brien targets 12th Derby victory in ‘ultimate test’ for Benvenuto Cellini

Benvenuto Cellini leads a quartet of contenders for Ballydoyle at Epsom

6 days ago·London, United Kingdom

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RTÉ

Center

O'Brien eyes 12th Derby victory in 'ultimate test'

Aidan O'Brien has reiterated his belief the Betfred Derby represents the "ultimate test" of a thoroughbred ahead of his bid for a record-extending 12th victory in the premier Classic at Epsom on Saturday.

6 days ago·Ireland

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