Grit and determination have always defined Mr Brightside, and those qualities were once again on display as he secured a hard-fought victory in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

The $1.70 favorite hit the front under Craig Williams after racing outside the leader but had to stave off challenges from multiple rivals. First, I Wish I Win loomed dangerously on the outside, and then Tom Kitten surged between runners.

Despite the pressure, Mr Brightside dug deep to hold on by a half-head over Tom Kitten ($9.50), with I Wish I Win ($7.50) just a head further back in third. Three-year-old Evaporate ran a creditable fourth after covering extra ground.

Trainer Ben Hayes, who conditions Mr Brightside in partnership with his brothers JD and Will, acknowledged just how special the gelding is to their stable.

“We’re just so passionate about this horse, and seeing him win like that—it’s a rollercoaster of emotions,” Hayes said.

“He’s the most important horse we’ve ever trained, and we’re incredibly lucky to have him.”

This victory marked Mr Brightside’s ninth Group 1 win, surpassing Lindsay Park icon Better Loosen Up. For the Hayes brothers, this achievement carried significant sentimental value.

“To have a horse mentioned in the same breath as Better Loosen Up is amazing,” Will Hayes said.

“We grew up idolizing that horse, and now to have one of our own eclipse him—it’s surreal.”

Craig Williams, who has ridden Mr Brightside in 38 of his 42 career starts, never lost faith in the horse, even after his first-up defeat in the Group 1 C F Orr Stakes (1400m).

“He’s an absolute warrior,” Williams said.

“The Hayes team prepares him so well, and I have full confidence in him every time I get in the saddle.

“He makes my job easy because I know he’ll always give his best.”

Next up, Mr Brightside will defend his title in the Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) before heading to Hong Kong for the Group 1 Champions Mile on April 27.