Royal Ascot: Derby non-runner Benvenuto Cellini could feature in King Edward VII Stakes, says Aidan O'Brien
Benvenuto Cellini completed the race in the Derby but was deemed a non-runner after footage showed the colt had briefly caught his leg on the stalls as they opened at Epsom; watch every race from Royal Ascot live on Sky Sports Racing from Tuesday through to Saturday
Friday 12 June 2026 10:53, UK
Benvenuto Cellini, the controversial non-runner in last Saturday's Derby at Epsom, could make an appearance at Royal Ascot next week, trainer Aidan O'Brien has revealed.
Having been sent off the 3/1 favourite for last weekend's Classic, the Ballydoyle contender was dramatically ruled a non-runner after stewards reviewed the start and found Ryan Moore's mount had briefly caught his leg in the stalls as they opened.
The decision caused outrage among many racing fans and left betting markets in disarray, with winning bets subject to a deduction of 25% under the Rule 4 non-runner rule.
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Benvenuto Cellini completed the race, crossing the line in 10th, but had been heavily eased down by Moore.
Speaking to Attheraces.com, O'Brien said: "There's a chance he could run in the King Edward.
"We have to see how he is in the coming days, but we're working back from the King George with him and we are worried that the ground for the Irish Derby could come up too soft for him, so if everyone is happy with him in the coming days we might just send him to Ascot as we know he'll get his favoured firmer ground there."
Friday's King Edward VII Stakes takes place at 5.35pm, with every race from Royal Ascot live on Sky Sports Racing from Tuesday through to Saturday.
O'Brien could bring up a century of Royal Ascot winners next week. The record-breaking trainer needs just four more successes to reach that milestone and heads to the Berkshire track with a typically strong squad.
