Hawk Mountain delivered a sensational performance to give Aidan O’Brien his record-extending 12th win in the Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster, capping the final Group One race of the British Flat season.

The race saw a dominant display from O’Brien-trained horses, with the first three finishers all under his tutelage, marking his 23rd Group One victory of 2025. Hawk Mountain, ridden by Ronan Whelan, overcame stiff competition from 3-1 chance Action, winning by a half-length in a thrilling finish.

O’Brien’s Dominance in the Futurity Trophy

O’Brien’s Futurity Trophy record is now unmatched, and Hawk Mountain becomes the first of his horses to win the event since Auguste Rodin in 2022. The five-horse field saw O’Brien’s favourite, 7-4 Benvenuto Cellini, fade in the final stages, leaving Hawk Mountain and Action to battle for victory.

Whelan timed Hawk Mountain’s final surge perfectly, ensuring a classic finish that underscored the horse’s class and potential for the 2026 season.

Hawk Mountain’s Prospects

Following the victory, O’Brien praised Hawk Mountain’s qualities and highlighted his potential for next year’s Epsom Derby and possibly the Guineas:

“We thought he was a classy horse, and next year we thought he could be a Guineas horse as well as a Derby horse. He has class, and Ronan gave him a lovely ride. He’s a big, powerful, strong horse with an unbelievable mind. So yes, delighted.”

British Flat Racing Season Wrap-Up

The Futurity Trophy Stakes marked the conclusion of an impressive British Flat season, with O’Brien cementing his status as one of the most successful trainers in modern horse racing. Hawk Mountain’s win not only adds to O’Brien’s record but also sets the stage for another exciting season of elite racing in 2026.

The result will certainly have punters and racing enthusiasts keeping a close eye on Hawk Mountain in the lead-up to the Epsom Derby, with expectations high for further Group One glory.