Andy Newton

Futurity Trophy Stakes: How many times has Aidan O’Brien won the Doncaster Group One?

by
Andy Newton
21 October 2026

Aidan O’Brien has established himself as the dominant trainer in the history of the Group 1 Futurity Trophy Stakes, with the Ballydoyle maestro preparing a record 12 winners of Doncaster’s prestigious two-year-old contest.

The Irish trainer’s remarkable Doncaster record stretches back to Saratoga Springs in 1997, with subsequent victories featuring some of the most talented colts of their generation, including Camelot, Saxon Warrior, Luxembourg and Auguste Rodin.

His latest success came in 2025, when Hawk Mountain continued O’Brien’s extraordinary association with the final Group 1 race of the British Flat season.

Now, as the 2026 renewal approaches, O’Brien is hoping to add another name to that illustrious roll of honour, with Noble Exhibit heading his challenge at Doncaster on Saturday, October 24.

2026 Futurity Trophy Stakes: Race Details

A Group 1 contest for two-year-old colts and fillies, traditionally serving as a major pointer towards the following season’s Classics.

William Hill Futurity Trophy Stakes

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Race time: 1:30pm
Distance: 1 mile
Live television: ITV Racing / Sky Sports Racing
Winner: £155,953

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Aidan O’Brien’s First Futurity Trophy Winner: Saratoga Springs in 1997

O’Brien’s journey towards becoming the most successful trainer in Futurity Trophy history began on October 25, 1997, when Saratoga Springs captured the (then called) Group 1 Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster.

The colt, by El Gran Senor out of Population, was ridden by Michael Kinane and started at 9/2 in a competitive eight-runner field.

Kinane delivered his challenge inside the final two furlongs, but Frankie Dettori and Mudeer made him fight all the way to the line.

Saratoga Springs held on by a short head, with the result surviving a stewards’ inquiry after an objection.

The victory gave Ireland its first success in the race since 1978 and marked the beginning of O’Brien’s remarkable record in this prestigious contest.

Aidan O’Brien’s 12 Futurity Trophy Stakes winners

O’Brien has won the race in 12 different years, spanning nearly three decades.

Here is the complete list of his winners, from Saratoga Springs to Hawk Mountain.

1997 – Saratoga Springs
1999 – Aristotle
2001 – High Chaparral
2002 – Brian Boru
2009 – St Nicholas Abbey
2011 – Camelot
2012 – Kingsbarns
2017 – Saxon Warrior
2018 – Magna Grecia
2021 – Luxembourg
2022 – Auguste Rodin
2025 – Hawk Mountain

Hawk Mountain’s 2025 Futurity Trophy Stakes Triumph

O’Brien’s latest success came in a five-runner renewal in which his three representatives filled the first three places.

Hawk Mountain, sent off at 18/5 and ridden by Ronan Whelan, battled past stablemate Action to win by half a length, with subsequent Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini finishing third.

The result delivered O’Brien his 12th victory and underlined Ballydoyle’s remarkable strength in depth among its leading juveniles.

How Many Of Aidan O’Brien’s Futurity Trophy Winners Went On To Win The Epsom Derby?

Three of O’Brien’s 12 Futurity Trophy winners subsequently won the Epsom Derby the following season – an outstanding record in one of British racing’s most important Classic trials.

While other recent ‘non-O’Brien-trained’ winners of the race to go onto win the Derby are Motivator (2004) and Authorized (2006).

High Chaparral – 2001 Futurity Trophy

High Chaparral won the Doncaster contest in 2001 before landing the Epsom Derby in 2002.

He went on to become one of the great middle-distance horses of his generation, adding further major victories to his Classic success.

Camelot – 2011 Futurity Trophy

Camelot followed his Doncaster victory by winning the 2,000 Guineas and Epsom Derby in 2012.

Ridden in the Futurity by Aidan’s son and now top trainer Joseph O’Brien.

He narrowly missed out on the Triple Crown when finishing second in the St Leger.

Auguste Rodin – 2022 Futurity Trophy

Auguste Rodin completed the Futurity Trophy-Derby double in 2023, showcasing the Classic potential that had made him such an exciting juvenile.

He subsequently added further Group 1 victories to his record.

These three horses demonstrate why O’Brien places such importance on the Futurity Trophy.

A win that also gave jockey Ryan Moore a third success in the race after winning on Saxon Warrior and Luxembourg.

But Moore is still two off the leading riders – Pat Eddery and Lester Piggott – in this race.

Success at Doncaster can provide an early indication of the talent needed to compete for the following year’s Epsom Derby.

Aidan O’Brien’s Leading 2026 Futurity Trophy Runner: Noble Exhibit

Noble Exhibit heads O’Brien’s 2026 challenge and arrives at Doncaster after establishing himself as one of the leading two-year-olds in Ireland.

The Frankel colt has made a promising start to his career, winning twice from his first three starts and finishing third on debut over seven furlongs at the Curragh.

Noble Exhibit’s form leading into Doncaster

August 22, 2026 Curragh: Finished third of 16 in a seven-furlong maiden on his debut, gaining valuable experience against a large field.
September 15, 2026 Punchestown: Opened his winning account in an eight-furlong maiden, scoring at 11/4 after showing improved form.
September 26, 2026 Curragh: Won the Group 2 Churchill Tyres Beresford Stakes over a mile at 10/11 favourite, making all and stretching clear when asked to quicken.

The Beresford Stakes victory was particularly encouraging (watch below).

Noble Exhibit showed that he could dictate the pace, travel comfortably over a mile and find another gear when challenged.

Ballydoyle representative Chris Armstrong highlighted the colt’s rapid progress and his ability to lengthen his stride when asked.

Those attributes make him an intriguing contender for the Futurity Trophy, where the ability to settle into a rhythm and finish strongly is essential.

He will, however, face a stronger field at Doncaster, and the step up to Group 1 company presents a fresh challenge.