The frustrating but brilliant Hawk Wing has been retired to Coolmore Stud. The four year old colt had failed to recover from a knee injury. His fee has yet to be set. 

A magnificent specimen, Hawk Wing was a top two year old winning the Futurity and National Stakes in Ireland. Given rave reviews by his trainer, Aiden O’Brien, the colt’s pedigree and looks added to his appeal.

Hawk Wing was a warm favourite to win the English 2000 Guineas. The bad luck which marred his career started there with his late run up the middle of the course resulting in a deluge of criticism by the press for O’Brien and his then jockey, Jamie Spencer. He lost by a nostril to champion Rock of Gibraltar.

Despite his stamina doubts, the son of Woodman was again made favourite for an English classic, in the shape of the Epsom Derby. Again he ran bravely, though outstayed by his talented stable mate, High Chaparral. A testament to the talent of the O’Brien pair was the third horse home, 14 lengths back, was subsequent World Cup hero, Moon Ballad. 

Hawk Wing finally got his head in front when winning a weak renewal of the Eclipse Stakes. He defeated his then stable mate Sholokhov with Group 3 winner Equerry in third. 

Hawk Wing was then touched off by a head in the Irish Champion Stakes. He was beaten by the talented but quirky Grandera in a driving finish. A second in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes as favourite was followed by a down the field run in the Breeders' Cup Classic. 

Hawk Wing made his four year debut in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury. He stormed home by 11 lengths defeating QE11 conqueror, Where or When, Breeders' Cup Mile hero Domedriver and Prix Jean Prat winner Olden Times. Following this win, the colt was likened to the legendary Brigadier Gerard. 

He was hot favourite for the Queen Anne Stakes on the opening day of Royal Ascot but ran unplaced behind Dubai Destination. He was found to be lame following the race. 

A son of leading sire Woodman, Hawk Wing is out of champion La Lorgnette. He hails from the family of Canadian Horse of the Year, Thornfield.