The Epsom Derby is as prestigious as it is competitive – a race that has grown in popularity and prize money and a contest that all involved in racing dream about winning.But has the Classic become predictable? talkSPORT commentator Rupert Bell believes so as he slams the domination of trainer Aidan O’Brien who has won it 11 times including nine of the renewals since 2012.GettyLambourn won another Epsom Classic for O’Brien under Wayne Lordan last year[/caption]talkSPORT BET Betting Offer – Get up to £35 matched if your first best loses – CLAIM HERE*The commentator didn’t hold back on O’Brien’s success and clear domination of this race which he thinks has negatively impacted the allure of the race.The Epsom Derby was first run in 1780, that doesn’t break traditions with its longstanding history and allure is said to be needing more to appeal to casual racing fans.But what might be needed is a story, something that Bell believes is the problem of the genius trainer Aidan O’Brien.‘O’Brien’s success is creating a huge problem for the race’Bell explained on talkSPORT 2: “The problem is the Derby when we were talking about the draw and how to encourage and create interest in the race.“The fact is Aidan O’Brien’s Coolmore operation at one six of the last nine I think they’ve won 11 Derby’s since 2001, what what do you say now? “If one of his horses win it, yes it’s maybe a good horse but if you look at the last few winners they’re not necessarily being ones you go ‘wow, that was some horse that may be great.“If Lambourn comes on an wins the Coronation Cup that actually would be quite a good story, but actually the problem is, Aidan O’Brien success is creating a huge problem for the race.”“They [Coolmore] dominate the breeding market and they proved in France they had the first three home. Who’s to say that they won’t do something similar at the weekend. Then where’s the story?!“Where does the the Casual racing fan feel engaged with that story?”It’s certainly possible for O’Brien/Coolmore to get a 1-2 in this race.This year’s Derby favourite is Benvenuto Cellini, who also trains the 5/1 shot Pierre Bonnard, as well as two more outsiders Action and Christmas Day.GettyBenvenuto Cellini is the big 2026 Epsom Derby favourite[/caption]Bell also mentioned that fans want to see another trainer win.But are punters happy betting on the trainer given it brings a bit of security betting on a trainer with such a good record at this race?Bell suggested: “That’s why in many ways we want William Haggas to win it because it was 30 years since Shaamit won it. “You wouldn’t mind one of the other trainers winning it, you know Charlie Johnston or someone coming through, it might even be a good story if Joseph O’Brien won it to beat his dad, at least has something.“But if Aidan O’Brien wins it well what are you writing? ‘Lovely horse, won well and praise the lads!”Johnston trains the Amo Racing-owned Ancient Egypt who is around 16’s in the betting while Haggas sends out the impressive Maltese Cross who’s won three on the bounce under Tom Marquand.O’Brien’s son has the one runner but at 12/1 isn’t completely ruled out, and certainly wouldn’t be a ‘big price shock winner’ as James J Braddock brings with him some class form.‘I want someone else other than Aidan O’Brien to win the Derby’He added with a typical bout of passion for the sport: “Aidan O’Brien completely dominates with his horses the middle distance market and that I think is a negative.“And that’s part of the problem in selling the race. Aidan O’Brien ain’t going anywhere, Coolmore certainly aren’t going anywhere, this is going to go on for a long time. “So for the good of the race, and I maybe upsetting people, I want someone else other than Aidan O’Brien to win the Derby.“Because then I feel we’ve got something. If he wins it four years in a row it looks like a closed shop it looks like a personal fiefdom. “And that’s not the point in the Derby!”Domination in sports is often revered and gets written into the history books as legends are made with such success.But is it the same with horse racing, or would we all like to see more competition from a variety of trainers?Epsom Derby 2026 betting tips and best betstalkSPORT BET Betting Offer – Get up to £35 matched if your first best loses – CLAIM HERE*talkSPORT BET Boosted Favourites30 minutes before the start of every UK & IRE race, we are boosting either the favourite or 2nd fav to win!Get the latest price boosts here18+. Bet on a Price Boost market for specific horse race & if your selection wins, we’ll pay out at the boosted odds. Max benefit applies. Click for T&Cs. GambleAware.orgCommercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*18+ New Customers. Opt in and bet up to £35 on Horse Racing (odds 2/1+) within 7 days. If your first bet loses get your initial stake back, up to £35 in Free Bets for any sports. Free Bets expire in 7 days. Scroll down for T&Cs. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly