Giant Sequoia fells Futurity rivals for Frankel

Giant Sequoia (Frankel) forged impressively clear in Saturday's Gr.1 Futurity Trophy Stakes to provide Aidan O’Brien with a record-extending 13th win in the Doncaster two-year-old contest. Stablemate and fellow Frankel colt Noble Exhibit placed third.

Taken from the European Bloodstock News, 25th October 2026:

Much of the pre-race buzz had surrounded another Frankel colt trained at Ballydoyle, Noble Exhibit, who was sent off as the 11/8 favourite. Giant Sequoia, meanwhile, who had looked such a bright prospect when winning the Irish Gr.2 Futurity Stakes at the Curragh in August, was a largely unconsidered 11/1 shot after finishing unplaced in the Gr.1 National Stakes last time out.

Partnered by Dylan Browne McMonagle, Giant Sequoia was held up at the back of the seven-runner field as his keen-going stable companion Sergei Diaghilev made the running on heavy ground. The leader appeared to go a decent clip considering the conditions, and most of the field were being pushed along as they approached the final quarter of a mile. The obvious exception was Giant Sequoia, who made smooth headway into contention over a furlong out. Noble Exhibit had raced in touch throughout and was driven to the front shortly afterwards, but he was soon overwhelmed by Giant Sequoia.

Taking up the running around a furlong from home in the silks of John Stewart’s Resolute Racing, Giant Sequoia powered ahead in the closing stages, despite drifting right, to win by three lengths. Gran Dia ran on well to take second, while Noble Exhibit finished another length further back in third. As well as advancing his exemplary record in this race, O’Brien’s runners collected over £190,000 in prize money to cement his lead in the British trainers’ championship, although rival Andrew Balding also collected around £59,000 by saddling the runner-up.

Reacting to the performance of a colt who is now as short as 8/1 for next year’s Gr.1 Derby, O’Brien said: “He disappointed the last day, but that was when our horses were off colour. I’m over the moon with him really; he travelled well, quickened very well, and I’m delighted for everyone at home. It’s a big team effort. He’s very classy; he could be anything next year. He was just under the weather the last day. We gave him time; his work has been lovely. We weren’t sure about that ground, but you never know until you try. He’s very classy."