Mountain too strong for Beresford rivals The Aidan O’Brien-trained Hawk Mountain produced a powerful front-running performance in the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club Beresford Stakes at the Curragh this afternoon. Ronan Whelan came in for the ride on the Wootton Bassett colt, who was a well-backed 5/4 favourite in the Group contest. He bounced his mount out in front in the mile event and had Shaihaan for company in the early stages. Hawk Mountain led turning for home and was asked for an effort passing the two pole. He galloped on strongly in the closing stages to post a three-and-quarter length win over Geryon. Stable representative Chris Armstrong said:- “He’s a smashing colt. Obviously he’s got the sire and the dam and he has plenty of size and scope. “Whatever he does at two we think will be a bonus. “Ronan gave him a lovely ride, he had his ears pricked the whole way around and there is plenty in there. “Ronan felt he was still green, even coming up to the line. It’s a good sign and hopefully he’ll improve again. “He’s in the mix for the Futurity Trophy in Doncaster or maybe he could go to France, the race in Saint-Cloud. “He’s one to look forward to for middle distances next year. “Ronan said when he got him organised he got one crack into him and he really went away. He’s a smashing horse to look forward to over the winter.”
