What Time Is the Futurity Trophy 2026 and Who Is Running?
The Futurity Trophy 2026 is Doncaster’s final flourish of the British Flat season: seven two-year-olds, one straight mile and a first glimpse of next year’s Classic arguments. Saturday’s Futurity Trophy runners include Aidan O’Brien’s favourite Noble Exhibit, Charlie Appleby’s international winner Al Hudaiba and Karl Burke’s ground-loving Burning Up. Rain makes this a test of maturity as well as speed.
Futurity Trophy 2026 Race Time, TV and Going
| Detail | Confirmed information |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday 24 October 2026 |
| Start | 13:30 BST |
| Course | Doncaster, straight mile |
| Race | Group 1, two-year-olds |
| Going | Soft, good to soft in places |
| TV | ITV Racing |
| Declared runners | Seven |
Who Are the Confirmed Futurity Trophy Runners?
The final declarations leave O’Brien with three runners, not the larger battalion seen at the earlier entry stage. Here are the seven horses and their booked jockeys.
| Runner | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|
| Noble Exhibit | Ryan Moore | Aidan O’Brien |
| Burning Up | Clifford Lee | Karl Burke |
| Al Hudaiba | William Buick | Charlie Appleby |
| Breacher | Lewis Edmunds | Muir & Grassick |
| Gran Dia | Oisin Murphy | Andrew Balding |
| Sergei Diaghilev | Wayne Lordan | Aidan O’Brien |
| Giant Sequoia | Dylan Browne McMonagle | Aidan O’Brien |
Noble Exhibit won the Beresford Stakes at the Curragh after an emphatic Punchestown maiden victory. Burning Up finished second to O’Brien’s Haffner in the Royal Lodge; Al Hudaiba has already won at top level in Canada. Three different routes into Doncaster’s demanding mile.
Futurity Trophy Odds: Where Is the Betting Value?
The favourite has the pedigree and the stable, but softer ground opens an interesting side door. These indicative Futurity Trophy odds come from the build-up; check live prices.
Betting angle: Burning Up is worth comparing against Noble Exhibit rather than automatically following the favourite. Karl Burke’s assessment makes Saturday’s surface particularly relevant. Check current Futurity Trophy prices before the race.
Aidan O’Brien’s Record and the 2027 Derby Picture
O’Brien has won this race a record 12 times, including the 2025 edition with Hawk Mountain. Noble Exhibit can extend that dominance, although each runner still has to prove himself on the day. The Futurity signals potential, not guaranteed Classic success.
Camelot completed the Futurity-Derby double in 2011 and 2012. Noble Exhibit has been quoted at 14/1 for the 2027 Epsom Derby, while rival Burning Up has also attracted future Classic interest. A striking victory could shorten those ante-post prices, particularly if the winner shapes as though another four furlongs will suit.
Doncaster Race Times on Saturday
| Time | Race |
|---|---|
| 12:55 | Five-furlong handicap |
| 13:30 | Futurity Trophy, Group 1 |
| 14:05 | Prospect Stakes, Listed |
| 14:40 | Two-year-old nursery |
| 15:19 | One-mile handicap |
| 15:55 | Ten-furlong handicap |
| 16:30 | Seven-furlong handicap, division one |
| 17:05 | Seven-furlong handicap, division two |
