Hawk Mountain Wins Futurity, Becomes Derby Favourite

Hawk Mountain gave Aidan O’Brien a record-extending 12th William Hill Futurity Trophy win at Doncaster and completed a Ballydoyle one-two-three, providing O’Brien with his 23rd Group/Grade One winner of the season. Ridden by Ronan Whelan, the Wootton Bassett colt battled with Action through the final furlong and prevailed by half a length after 7-4 favourite Benvenuto Cellini faded. The victory has made Hawk Mountain an ante-post favourite for next year’s Epsom Derby, though O’Brien said the colt could also be considered for the Guineas, praising his size, strength, temperament and class. O’Brien highlighted Hawk Mountain’s homebred status—his dam is Hydrangea from the Coolmore line—and paid tribute to the large team behind the horse. Connections said the soft/heavy ground at Doncaster and Hawk Mountain’s proven form on cut likely aided his performance.