James J Braddock Prepared For The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Trainer Joseph O’Brien is confident in James J Braddock’s chances in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh on Sunday, following strong showings at the track and a solid third-place finish at Epsom. The colt faces stiff competition, including favored runners from O’Brien's father Aidan’s stable, as the race could decide a notable double victory for the family team.

Trainer Joseph O’Brien is optimistic about James J Braddock’s prospects in the upcoming Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh on Sunday. The three-year-old colt, part-owned by ITV Racing pundit Kevin Blake, has previously demonstrated strong form on the Curragh course, having won his maiden by six lengths there last November.

James J Braddock’s preparations for the Irish Derby have followed a promising trajectory. After securing victory in the Group Three Cashel Palace Hotel Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown on his second outing this season, the colt was entered in the Epsom Derby. At Epsom, James J Braddock finished third behind Christmas Day, despite expending considerable energy before the race due to pre-race nervousness. O’Brien expressed satisfaction with the horse’s development since Epsom, noting that the Curragh’s likely softer ground might better suit James J Braddock’s running style and previous track experience.

Betting odds for the Group One race currently list James J Braddock at 6-1 with William Hill, slightly longer than Christmas Day, who is favored at 4-1. Christmas Day is trained by Joseph’s father, Aidan O’Brien, who is attempting to become the 21st trainer to secure the Epsom and Irish Derby double. Aidan’s stable also includes Benvenuto Cellini, the 11-8 favorite for the Irish Derby prior to Epsom, who finished 10th in that race but was controversially declared a non-runner after an incident in the stalls. Both James J Braddock and Benvenuto Cellini remain notable contenders in the weekend’s race.

In a separate development affecting thoroughbred racing, France Galop’s board has approved a proposal permitting geldings to compete in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe starting from 2027. This decision marks a significant change, as geldings were previously ineligible for this prestigious race.

As the Curragh hosts one of the highlights of the European flat racing calendar, all eyes will be on horses like James J Braddock and the O’Brien stables to see who will emerge victorious in this highly competitive field.

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