Futurity Trophy |
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| Group 1, Doncaster 14:05 £200,000 guaranteed, 2yo only, 1m, Class 1  |
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1 Hawk Mountain 18/5
2 Action 3/1
3 Benvenuto Cellini 7/4F
5 ran Distances: ½, 2¾
Winning Time: 1m 43.85s
One step closer to the record for Group 1 wins in a year! 🤩
— Horse Racing Ireland (@HRIRacing) October 25, 2025
It's a 1-2-3 for Aidan O'Brien as Hawk Mountain takes the William Hill Futurity Trophy Stakes from Action in second and Benvenuto Cellini in third! 👏pic.twitter.com/ez2DbO29Az
Hawk Mountain provided yet another landmark moment for Aidan O’Brien, delivering the master of Ballydoyle a record-extending 12th triumph in the Futurity Trophy — and doing so in the style that has become the yard’s calling card.
Ronan Whelan’s mount, a son of Wootton Bassett, showed both class and grit to outbattle stablemate Action in the closing stages, prevailing by half a length in a stirring finish that sealed a remarkable one-two-three for O’Brien’s team and catapulted him to the head of the ante-post market for next year’s Derby.
Benvenuto Cellini, the 7-4 favourite under Christophe Soumillon, looked to be moving ominously well two furlongs out, but the promise proved short-lived as his stable companions quickened away when it mattered most, confirming once again the strength in depth at Ballydoyle.
Reflecting on his 18-5 winner — and his 23rd Group or Grade One of another glittering season — O’Brien was characteristically generous in his praise.
“He’s gets a mile well, he’s tough and he’s classy, a beautiful horse.
“His big, he’s strong and he’s got an unbelievable mind, he’s got everything you need, very straightforward to do everything with and you couldn’t be happier with him.
“He’s uncomplicated, he’s powerful and does just what you want but we can’t win these races without the team at home, it’s such a big team effort I can’t tell you.
“Next year you could get away with him being a miler but you could go up to middle distances with him.
“I’d say there’s a lot more to come from him because his mind is so good. He’s big but he’s athletic, he’s not too long, he’s unusual really. He’s so chilled.”
By Hydrangea — herself a dual Group One winner for the stable — Hawk Mountain continues a proud Coolmore lineage, something not lost on his trainer.
“It’s great for the lads as he’s a home bred, top and bottom we’ve had generations of his pedigree,” said O’Brien.
“A lot of thought goes into it from a big team of people and I’m so delighted for everybody, so many people are involved even before he’s born. It costs a lot and we’re just so grateful that these horses stay in Ireland.”
O’Brien was also quick to find encouragement in defeat for his other runners.
“Benvenuto is a very good mover and while his dam (Newspaperofrecord) went in soft ground, Christophe said he just got stuck in it, he wasn’t beaten very far, it was still a very good run,” he said.
“We thought Action would handle the ground and that the winner could but the only way to find out is to run them.”
And looking ahead, the Ballydoyle trainer was already plotting next spring’s campaigns.
“Hawk Mountain is a Classic horse who could start off over a mile, Action looks more a Derby type, we went that way with Delacroix last year when we probably shouldn’t have. Action is Lambourn’s brother and he stuck on really well.”
For Ronan Whelan, it was a fifth Group One victory — and perhaps the most significant of his career to date, as his growing partnership with O’Brien continues to flourish.
“It’s a big day for Ronan and I’m delighted for him. He’s a very good rider, he’s been around a long time now (riding for Mick Halford) and he’s very experienced,” said O’Brien.
“He’s a big, strong powerful fella and he’s becoming a big part of our team now so I couldn’t be happier for him.”
Futurity Trophy (Group 1) (Straight Course)
£200,000 guaranteed, 2yo only, 1m, Class 1
5 ran
Going: Heavy
POS.(DRAW) DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 (6) Hawk Mountain 2 9-3 A P O'Brien Ronan Whelan 18/5
2 (1) ½ Action 2 9-3 A P O'Brien Wayne Lordan 3/1
3 (2) 2¾ Benvenuto Cellini 2 9-3 A P O'Brien Christophe Soumillon 7/4F
4 (4) 12 Rochfortbridge 2 9-3 Adrian Paul Keatley Oisin McSweeney 40/1
5 (3) 8½ Oxagon 2 9-3 John & Thady Gosden Oisin Murphy 11/4
NR 4 (5) Item 2 9-3 Andrew Balding NON RUNNER
RECENT WINNERS
Year Horse Trainer Jockey Owner SP
2024 Hotazhell Mrs John Harrington Shane Foley 11/1
2023 Ancient Wisdom Charlie Appleby William Buick Godolphin 5/4F
2022 Auguste Rodin A P O'Brien Ryan Moore M Tabor & D Smith & Mrs J Magnier & Westerberg 9/4F
2021 Luxembourg Aidan O'Brien Ryan Moore Westerberg, Mrs J Magnier, M Tabor, D Smith 4/6F
2020 Mac Swiney J S Bolger Kevin Manning Mrs J S Bolger 12/1
2019 Kameko Andrew Balding Oisin Murphy Qatar Racing 11/2
2018 Magna Grecia Aidan O'Brien Donnacha O'Brien D Smith & Mrs J Magnier & M Tabor & Flaxman Stables 2/1F
2017 Saxon Warrior Aidan O'Brien Ryan Moore Mr D Smith, Mrs J Magnier, Mr M Tabor 13/8F
2016 Rivet William J Haggas Andrea Atzeni The Starship Partnership 11/4
2015 Marcel Peter Chapple-Hyam Andrea Atzeni Paul Hancock 33/1
2014 Elm Park Andrew Balding Andrea Atzeni Qatar Racing Limited 13/8F
2013 Kingston Hill Roger Varian Andrea Atzeni Paul D Smith 7/2F
