Ballygeary

The challenge now is that it has been 25 months since that Market Rasen win, and his last six runs have produced nothing better than a third place. His most typical level of competition is Class 3, where he has won just 1 from 11 races — roughly 1 in 11 — which suggests the races he runs in most often are genuinely tough for him. That is not a criticism so much as context: Ballygeary is a horse operating at a competitive level, not picking up easy wins against weak fields.

His most important partnership is with jockey Brian Hughes, and the numbers here are genuinely interesting. Together they have won 3 of their 12 races — 25%, or 1 in every 4 — which is a noticeably better return than Ballygeary manages overall. That kind of chemistry between a horse and jockey is real and worth noting. Trainer Mike Sowersby, based in North Yorkshire, has sent out 8 winners this season, so the yard is in decent form.

What makes Ballygeary's immediate future particularly worth watching is the direction the team seems to be considering. The trainer has spoken about the possibility of switching him to fences — jumping obstacles called hurdles is one discipline, chasing over larger fences is another, and many horses find a new lease of life making that switch. There is also talk of targeting a handicap hurdle at Haydock, a notable track. A previous run at Cheltenham — one of the most prestigious venues in jump racing — showed he is capable of performing on a big stage, even if he benefits from having other horses to race against rather than being out front alone. At nine, Ballygeary may not be getting younger, but the team clearly believes there is another chapter still to write.