Three weeks after a frustrating and controversial Derby experience at Epsom, Benvenuto Cellini returned to the winner's enclosure with authority, leading home an Aidan O'Brien-trained clean sweep in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh. The victory not only erased the disappointment of Epsom but also underlined the depth of Ballydoyle's Classic generation.

The Chester Vase winner had started favourite for the Derby at Epsom but saw his challenge unravel before the race had truly begun. A slow start, soft ground and the unusual circumstances surrounding his departure from the stalls ultimately left him well beaten before he was subsequently declared a non-runner after it emerged he still had a leg on the stall partition when the gates opened.

Ryan Moore retained the ride rather than switching to Epsom Derby winner Christmas Day, and that decision was rewarded. Although Benvenuto Cellini was slightly slow into stride once again, he quickly recovered, travelled comfortably into contention and asserted over the closing stages to defeat Christmas Day by a length and three-quarters. Pierre Bonnard completed the Ballydoyle trifecta, another neck away in third, while previously unbeaten Raaheeb finished fourth.

Moore said the Curragh performance reflected the colt's true ability after circumstances worked against him at Epsom.

"He has a lot of quality, he showed that at Leopardstown last year and he did at Chester," Moore said.

Reflecting on the Derby, Moore explained that several factors combined to leave the colt with little opportunity to recover.

"Epsom was just a mess. Obviously we had the stalls problem and everything, but with the ground being the way it was, that was the only time I've ridden in the Derby when we haven't stayed on the far side. It was an unusual set of circumstances and because of what happened he had no hope."

Moore added that while the colt remains immature, there are no concerns about his attitude.

"He's still a little bit babyish. There's nothing wrong with his temperament. Unfortunately at Epsom the horse beside me kicked out, he kicked out and we made a mistake, but slowly those things are getting ironed out. He's a beautiful mover and it will be interesting to see what the future holds."

The rider also revealed that discussions with O'Brien before travelling to Ireland centred on remaining loyal to Benvenuto Cellini despite Christmas Day arriving as the reigning Derby winner.

"We decided we'd stick with him hoping the ground was going to be nicer and we believed he had quality. But to be honest, we always felt all three of them could win and they've finished one-two-three. On different days with different circumstances, any of them could have won."

O'Brien Adds Another Classic Milestone

The success gave O'Brien an 18th Irish Derby victory and completed another notable chapter in an exceptional Classic campaign. Earlier in the season, Christmas Day landed the Derby at Epsom, while the Ballydoyle team also supplied the first three finishers in the Prix du Jockey Club, headed by Constitution River.

O'Brien said the Curragh result reflected the faith the stable had always held in Benvenuto Cellini.

"We always liked him and he had a very good run in Chester before Epsom. Obviously all the things seemed to conspire against him at Epsom and it was very difficult for Ryan. I thought it was probably impossible to make up two furlongs. He wasn't beaten one furlong, he was beaten two in Epsom."

The trainer also acknowledged the significance of Moore's decision to remain with the colt.

"I'm delighted for Ryan because it was a difficult decision. A lot of people put a lot of hard work into it and I'm grateful to them all."

Different Roads Ahead

Having now met in both the Derby and Irish Derby, Benvenuto Cellini and Christmas Day are expected to pursue separate campaigns during the second half of the season.

O'Brien indicated Benvenuto Cellini may be better suited dropping back to 2000 metres rather than stepping beyond 2400 metres, while also identifying longer-term international targets.

"Benvenuto is a beautiful mover with a lot of class. Ryan felt we'd rather go back to a mile and a quarter than go any further than a mile and a half, so that's class.

"He could go to the King George, or if he needs a break he'll have a break. The Grand Prix de Paris might come too soon so I'd imagine he might have a little rest and could go for the Irish Champion Stakes or something like that. He will also be well suited for America - fast ground with pace on - so he could be ready made for the Breeders' Cup Turf.

"Christmas Day will probably be going the Leger route, he'll stay very well."

Part-owner John Magnier also reflected on the colt's journey, noting the disappointment surrounding Epsom before praising the contribution of fellow owners Peter and Stephanie Brant.

"It's a pity Peter and Stephanie couldn't be here. They were coming to Epsom but she fell ill in London and you know what happened to the horse, he was a non-runner.

"Peter understands the breeding industry and he knows this game from A through Z. He was a top polo player himself. It's no accident that he would be involved in breeding a Derby winner. He must be the best three-year-old that there is at the moment."

The Irish Derby not only restored Benvenuto Cellini's Classic credentials but also reinforced Ballydoyle's dominance among Europe's leading three-year-olds as the major summer targets come into focus.