New York owner-breeder Peter Brant admits that the prospect of winning the Derby at Epsom Downs remains one of the greatest ambitions of his long and distinguished racing career, with Benvenuto Cellini set to carry his hopes into Saturday’s £2 million Classic.
The 79-year-old American, whose colours have been carried to major victories on both sides of the Atlantic, will be among the keenest observers when Benvenuto Cellini takes his place in the field for the 247th running of the Derby. A victory in the famous race would rank among the finest achievements of Brant’s decades in the sport.
Brant, who owns the colt alongside Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Georg von Opel, arrives at Epsom encouraged by Benvenuto Cellini’s victory in last month’s Chester Vase, traditionally one of the most significant Derby trials. The race has produced numerous Derby winners over the years, including Shergar and, more recently, Lambourn.
Epsom Derby 2026
Speaking on the Nick Luck Daily Podcast, Brant described what success in the Derby would mean to him.
“I think it would be certainly in the top two or three races I’ve ever won in my life,” he said. “That’s because it hasn’t been done that often and it’s the real European three-year-old Classic of all time.
“For me, as an American to win that race with a horse that I bred would be a great feat and something I’d be very proud of.”
Brant’s association with elite-level racing stretches back decades. Among his greatest European successes was the outstanding mare Triptych, who captured the Coronation Cup at Epsom for a second time in 1988. Yet the Derby remains a prize that carries a unique significance.
The owner spoke warmly about the enduring appeal of racing and the enjoyment it continues to bring him after so many years in the sport.
“I know what it means to me,” Brant said. “And it’s something that I just hope to do till as long as I’m able to walk and talk.”
He added that the sport has become a shared passion within his family, who have joined him at major racing venues in North America and Europe, helping create memories that extend far beyond the winner’s enclosure.
Ahead of the Derby, Brant was also eager to praise trainer Aidan O’Brien, who is seeking a remarkable 12th victory in the race.
According to Brant, O’Brien’s dedication and attention to detail remain unmatched. He described the Irish trainer as a horseman whose commitment filters through every level of the operation, earning admiration from staff and owners alike.
“His work ethic is second to nobody else I’ve ever seen,” Brant said. “He is involved in all aspects of it and people that work for him respect him because he doesn’t ask them to do anything he wouldn’t do.”
The American owner also spoke of the value of spending time with O’Brien away from the racetrack, describing conversations with the trainer as some of the most educational experiences of his career.
As for Benvenuto Cellini, Brant believes the colt possesses a pedigree capable of producing a Classic winner. The son of Frankel is out of Newspaperofrecord, a champion performer whose first foal, Giselle, has already enjoyed black-type success after winning the Lingfield Oaks Trial.
Brant acknowledged that the Derby presents a unique examination of a horse’s talent, balance and stamina. Having previously walked the Epsom course himself, he understands the demands posed by its undulations and distinctive layout.
“I am encouraged,” he said. “It’s always difficult because the race is a very demanding race and it’s a demanding racetrack.”
Brant revealed that trainer Aidan O’Brien believes the colt is capable of excelling over a mile and a quarter and potentially a mile and a half, distances that could suit him perfectly on Derby day.
With a prestigious pedigree, an impressive trial victory and the backing of one of the sport’s most successful training operations, Benvenuto Cellini heads to Epsom carrying considerable expectations. For Peter Brant, however, the opportunity extends beyond another major race victory. It is the chance to add his name to the roll of honour of the sport’s most celebrated Classic and fulfil a dream that has endured throughout a lifetime in racing.
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