Irish Derby: Redemption for Benvenuto Cellini as he wins Curragh for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore | Racing news

Benvenuto Cellini put his Epsom disappointment behind him with a one-two-three over Aidan O’Brien in the Curragh Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

The Chester Wedge winner was the clear favorite for his 12th victory over the Ballydoyle handler in the Derby at Epsom three weeks ago, but a slow start and slow ground saw him finish down the field before he was controversially declared a non-runner when he had a foot on a shelf in the stalls when the gate opened.

With Ryan Moore sticking with Epsom Hero and rather than switching to the fixed Christmas Day, the son of Frankel was the 7/4 market leader to reward those who keep the faith – and when he again missed a bit of a break, he soon recovered and cruised into contention before going down to see Christmas Day and three Christmas Day.

Pierre Bonnard was just a neck behind in third, with the previously unbeaten Rahib fourth.

More to follow…

Purview sets some lofty goals with international wins

Purview added to his growing reputation with a comprehensive victory in the Dubai Duty Free International Stakes.

Dermot Weld’s colt looked an exciting prospect when second to top-class Delacroix in last year’s Leopardstown Derby Trial and while he was beaten in his next few starts, he signed off for 2025 with a Listed win at Cork and looked better than ever on his return to the Stakes or Stakes’ last month.

The son of Kingman was an even-money favorite to claim victory in the first group-race back at the Curragh and, after traveling well in Sindria’s slipstream for most of the 10-furlong journey, Colin Keane pushed him to win comfortably by three-quarters of a length from Trasturrinsect.

“I’m delighted for the horse and for the owners. I’m a great supporter at Juddmont and I appreciate the family’s support,” said Weld.

“He’s a very talented kid, he’s starting to show the promise that I always thought he would. I think he’s still got a long year ahead of him and we’ll look at different options.

“I always thought he would be at his peak at the end of this year so today is just a step along the way.”

The Roswell House handler expects Purview to test his ability at Group One level later in the year by marking targets at home and abroad.

When asked if he was tempted to go to Royal Ascot, Weld added: “I think I was always going to bring him here. I know I was bringing him back from a mile and a half, which we now know is probably his best distance.

“The Irish Champion Stakes is obviously a definite target for him, seeing as he won today. Colin and I were lucky enough to win the Breeders’ Cup Turf (Ternawa in 2020) a few years ago and I think he could be a horse for that race.

“He’s also entered for the arc and I’ve always seen the end of the year for him, but the arc can be very heavy. As you saw today, his speed is very good.

“Colin rode him fast so he’s a horse that will handle Keeneland very well.

“He’s a very smart kid and I still think we have a lot more to come.”