Against The Wind

The wins tell an interesting story. Both of the two biggest came in Class 2 races — among the better contests you will find in Britain — which means Against The Wind has not just been picking up easy wins in soft company. At that level, 2 wins from 6 races is a strong return: roughly 1 in 3, when most horses at that grade are grateful for anything. The most recent of those came at Southwell in July 2025, an all-weather track where the artificial surface rewards horses with a particular kind of consistency and rhythm. Its earlier win at Newcastle in June 2024 — also a Class 2 on an all-weather surface — suggests this is a horse that genuinely thrives on that kind of track.

What really catches the eye is how it performs when conditions are wet and slow underfoot. In muddy or heavy ground, Against The Wind has won 2 of just 3 races — a 67% win rate that is extraordinary by any measure. Most horses tolerate soft ground; this one appears to relish it. That is the sort of detail a knowledgeable punter files away and waits for.

The partnership with jockey Tom Eaves is worth noting too. In 8 races together, Eaves has steered the horse to 3 wins — winning roughly 2 in every 5 times they have combined. That is a strong enough record to suggest real understanding between horse and rider, not just coincidence. Behind the scenes, trainer Kevin Ryan's yard at Hambleton in North Yorkshire has been in excellent form this season, sending out 45 winners — a volume that speaks to a well-organised, sharp operation.

Recent form reads 11-3-3-6-1-14, which shows a horse capable of both brilliance and the odd disappointing run. The two third-place finishes sandwiched around a win suggest it has been racing consistently at the right level. Having raced just yesterday, Against The Wind is clearly at the heart of a busy campaign — and on its best days, it is a difficult horse to beat.