Billy No Mates

What makes Billy No Mates oddly interesting is not what he has achieved but what he keeps trying to do. He was still racing just a day ago, still competing in Class 5 events — the lower reaches of the sport — where he has at least shown some competence, winning 2 of his 14 races at that level. His recent form tells the story of a horse treading water: in his last six races he has finished fourth, sixth, seventh, fourth again, third, and ninth. Close calls without rewards. Connor Beasley, his most regular partner in the saddle, has never tasted victory with him across 13 rides together, which perhaps sums up the partnership's luck. Michael Dods's Piercebridge yard, which has sent 43 winners out this season, continues to give Billy No Mates chances, but the horse seems almost allergic to breaking through. At ten years old and having won just twice in his entire career, Billy No Mates is the racing equivalent of a loyal journeyman: dependable, present, but forever on the wrong side of the finish line.