The one moment of glory came at Sligo over the summer, and it's worth noting where Chopsticks tends to be at its best: races run over 1 mile 6 furlongs to 2 miles. At those longer distances, the record reads 1 win from 11 races — not eye-catching on paper, but it tells you this is a horse that needs time and space to do its best work. Chopsticks isn't a sprinter; it's a horse that settles into a rhythm and stays on. The Sligo win fits that profile perfectly.
Recent form has been a mixed picture. The last six runs show a third, several unplaced efforts, and a second — so there are signs of life, but the winning habit hasn't returned since that August day. Shane Foley, who has partnered Chopsticks more than anyone else, is still waiting for his first win aboard the horse across nine attempts together. That's a notable stat — nine rides, zero wins — though it speaks more to the horse's overall record than any one jockey's efforts.
McConnell's yard is having a productive season, sending out 38 winners, so there's no shortage of form or belief at the stable. Chopsticks raced just yesterday, which means it's very much in the thick of things right now. Whether that long-awaited second career win is close is hard to say, but this is a horse that earns its place on a racecard. It places, it tries, and somewhere out there — probably over a longer trip on a decent day — there might just be another Sligo moment waiting.
| Course | Races | Results | Last visited | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dundalk Galloping |
14 | 4 seconds, 3 thirds, 7 other | 26 May | 0% |
| Leopardstown Galloping |
3 | 1 second, 1 third, 1 other | 16 May | 0% |
| Navan Galloping |
2 | 2 other | 21 Mar | 0% |
| Fairyhouse Galloping |
2 | 2 other | 5 Apr | 0% |
| Sligo Sharp |
1 | 1 win | 6 Aug | 100% |
| Down Royal Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 22 Jun | 0% |
| Gowran Park Undulating |
1 | 1 other | 24 Apr | 0% |
| Tramore Sharp |
1 | 1 other | 19 Apr | 0% |
| The Curragh Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 16 Oct | 0% |