Wootton Bassett’s Hawk Mountain Claims Group 1 Futurity Trophy

Hawk Mountain (2c Wootton Bassett - Hydrangea, by Galileo) became the newest Group 1 winner for the much-missed Wootton Bassett when claiming the Futurity Trophy at Doncaster on Saturday.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt was leading a one-two-three for Ballydoyle and was following up from an eye-catching success in the Group 2 Beresford Stakes at the Curragh last month.

Ridden by Ronan Whelan, Hawk Mountain led from the off and kept on well to fend off the challenge of Action, scoring by half-a-length.

O’Brien said of the Coolmore homebred: “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.”