Sam Hawkens was sent forward during the 1400-meter Benchmark 78 race for three-year-olds and older held at Randwick on June 20, but ultimately finished eighth. The race, conducted on a soft track, featured a field competing for prize money totaling $26,000.

Under jockey Braith Nock, who scored with the winner in this event, Sam Hawkens settled in second position through the first 800 meters and maintained that spot until the final turn. Despite this strong positioning early on, the horse struggled in the closing stages and finished well behind the winner, Glorious Moments, who claimed the race in a time of 1:23.51. The last 600 meters were completed in 35.18 seconds, with the final 200 meters clocked at 12.42 seconds.

Sam Hawkens was coming off a 77-day break and was sent forward with the intent to lead or press the pace, but was unable to respond effectively once the tempo increased. Connections have indicated that they will consider alternative plans for the horse moving forward, given the disappointing performance over this longer distance at Randwick.

Other prominent runners in the race included Just Glamorous, who finished second, and Supermassive and Crossbow, also placing in the top five. The race conditions and going were noted as soft, which may have influenced the outcome for some competitors.

With this result, the future campaign for Sam Hawkens remains uncertain as trainers assess the best approach for the horse's next start.