Constitution River takes French Derby, leads O’Brien sweep of top three spots

The biggest threat to Constitution River in Sunday’s Group 1 French Derby at Chantilly Racecourse turned out to be his stablemates.

Constitution River, who started in post 15 in a field of 16, closed from a stalking position to win the $1.75 million French Derby at 1 5/16 miles by three-quarters of a length over Hawk Mountain. With Montreal finishing third, a head behind Hawk Mountain, trainer Aidan O’Brien swept the first three positions.

Constitution River, ridden by Ryan Moore, paid $6.80 as the favorite in American pools.

From a wide draw, Constitution River was prominent early as a stalker, with Moore keeping the colt several paths outside of rivals while monitoring their positions. Moore moved Constitution River alongside the field with more than seven furlongs remaining, chasing 36-1 Montreal, who set the pace and was closely tracked by Hawk Mountain.

Montreal had a clear lead with a half-mile remaining, with Constitution River and Hawk Mountain closer within a quarter-mile of the finish. The trio were within a half-length of each other with a sixteenth of a mile remaining before Constitution River took a clear lead.

O’Brien told the press that Constitution River is capable of improvement.

“He's a baby still,” he said. “We always thought he was very exciting and still think he is.”

Constitution River, by Wootten Bassett, has won 4 of 5 starts and is on a four-race winning streak.

Constitution River won the Group 2 Futurity Stakes at seven furlongs in Ireland last August and is unbeaten in two starts this year. He won the listed Dee Stakes at 1 5/16 miles by seven lengths at Chester Racecourse in Britain on May 7.

O’Brien has won the French Derby three times, including the 2025 running with Camille Pissarro. Constitution River races for the Coolmore syndicate and Georg Von Opel.

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