Four bettors walked away with a combined £2,500 after betting on Christmas Day, the surprise winner of the Epsom Derby, thanks to a 62‑year‑old time‑capsule note urging a Santa‑related wager. The note, discovered beneath a Sir Joseph Paxton bust in Crystal Palace Park, linked the horse’s name to Santa Claus, a clue that proved prescient when the 25‑1 outsider triumphed.

Christmas Day’s 25‑1 Upset Mirrors 1964 Santa Claus Victory

The 2026 Derby saw Christmas Day, a relative outsider at 25‑1, defeat a field of seasoned contenders, echoing the 1964 triumph of Santa Claus, the last Santa‑themed horse to win at Epsom. Both victories occurred in front of royalty,with King Charles III and Queen Camilla presenting the trophy this year, just as the late Queen had watched Santa Claus cross the line in 1964.

According to the source report, the 1964 horse was the most valuable British race winner of its era, and the 2026 win broke a 62‑year hiatus of Santa‑linked names in the Derby, underscoring the rarity of the coincidence.

How a Crystal Palace Time Capsule Sparked the Bet

During a park regeneration project, construction workers unearthed a plastic‑wrapped packet containing a handwritten note,four shillings and two half crowns (about £10 today), and a signature reading “P Wright Paterson – the best of British luck.” The note instructed the finder to back any runner whose name could be linked to Santa Claus.

Site manager Josh Smalls, a racing fan from Ireland, handed the find to Bromley mayor Christine Harris, who immediately recognized the relevance of the upcoming Derby entry named Christmas Day. both rushed to place bets, with Mrs Harris staking £15 and winning £390, while her sons Elliott and Josh each collected £1,200 and £500 respectively.

Who Collected the Winnings and Their Charitable Pledge

Mrs Harris, 65, donated her £390 prize to two local mayoral charities, reflecting the community spirit behind the discovery. Her son Elliott, 31, and younger son Josh, 27, each earned £1,200 and £500 from modest stakes, while Mr Smalls pocketed £500 after betting £30.

The source notes that Mrs Harris missed watching the race due to a street party but received an excited call as the horse surged home, reinforcing the story’s feel‑good narrative.

Who Wrote the 1964 Note? – The Unsolved Mystery

The identity of P Wright Paterson remains unknown, prompting speculation that the author could have been a relative of a former trainer or a devoted fan who hoped the clue would someday surface. The note now resides in a local museum, but the mystery of its origin adds a layer of intrigue to an already uncanny tale.

According to the report, Mrs Harris hopes future research will uncover the author’s story, suggesting that the note may have been a personal gamble rather than an organized promotion.

Open Question: Could Similar Time‑Capsules Influence Future Races?

It is unclear whether other historic time capsules exist that contain betting tips,or if racing authorities will consider regulating such discoveries to prevent potential market manipulation. The source provides no evidence of additional buried messages, leaving the possibility open for future curiosities.