Horse racing thrives on coincidence, superstition and stories passed down through generations. Every now and then, however, an event comes along that is almost too remarkable to believe.

The latest chapter unfolded this spring when workers carrying out restoration work at Crystal Palace Park in south London uncovered a time capsule that had remained hidden for more than six decades.

Among the contents was a handwritten note from 1964 alongside a small collection of coins. The author explained that the money had come from a successful wager on Santa Claus (pictured), winner of that year's Derby at Epsom, and left a simple instruction for whoever eventually found it: place the proceeds on a horse whose name had a connection to Father Christmas.

The discovery quickly attracted attention as racing enthusiasts searched the field for this year's Derby for a suitable candidate.

One horse stood out immediately.

Christmas Day, trained by Aidan O'Brien, appeared to fit the description perfectly. What made the story even more unusual was the identity of the man who unearthed the capsule. Construction worker Craciun Marius Dorin discovered the note during the restoration project, with "Craciun" translating to "Christmas" in Romanian.

As Derby day approached, the unusual sequence of events became a talking point among those involved in the project. Further links emerged when it was noted that Santa Claus had been trained by the legendary Vincent O'Brien, while Christmas Day carries the colors of another generation of the famous O'Brien racing dynasty.

Then came the result that transformed an interesting historical footnote into one of racing's most memorable modern tales.

Christmas Day stormed to victory in the Derby, rewarding anyone who chose to follow the advice left behind 62 years earlier. The colt's success meant that a betting recommendation written in the mid-1960s had once again produced a winning outcome.

The original horse at the center of the story, Santa Claus, occupies an important place in racing history. He captured both the Derby and Irish Derby in 1964 and was later recognized as Britain's Horse of the Year.

Whether viewed as an incredible coincidence or simply one of racing's quirks, the connection between Santa Claus and Christmas Day has created a story that will be remembered long after this year's Derby is consigned to the record books.

The sport has always been rich in folklore, but few tales can claim a link stretching more than six decades from one Derby winner to another. 

Image National Horseracing Museum