His recent form, though, hints at someone who is still competing. Over his last six outings he has recorded a third, a second, and a fourth — mixing in the blank days that come with the territory. He raced just a day ago, which means he is actively campaigned and not nursing injuries or waiting for the right race. When ridden by Ben Harvey, his most regular jockey, Churchwarden has won one from five — a 20 percent win rate that is better than his career average, suggesting the pair have found some understanding. He is trained by Henry de Bromhead at Knockeen in County Waterford, a yard that has sent out 110 winners already this season, so he is in a busy, professional operation.
Churchwarden will never be remembered as a great racehorse, but he is exactly the sort of solid competitor who keeps racing yards ticking over. His last win came three months ago, and there is no reason he cannot win again — horses like this, once they have tasted success twice, often string together another victory or two if the handicapper sets them up right and the ground suits.
| Course | Races | Results | Last run | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tramore Sharp |
3 | 1 win, 1 second, 1 third | 15 Aug | 33.3% |
| Galway Tight |
3 | 3 other | 9 Sep | 0% |
| Kilbeggan Tight |
2 | 1 win, 1 second | 4 Sep | 50% |
| Musselburgh Sharp |
2 | 1 second, 1 other | 4 Feb | 0% |
| Ayr Galloping |
2 | 2 other | 30 Sep | 0% |
| The Curragh Galloping |
2 | 2 other | 12 Oct | 0% |
| Navan Galloping |
2 | 2 other | 8 Apr | 0% |
| Bellewstown Sharp |
1 | 1 third | 6 Jul | 0% |
| Down Royal Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 22 Jun | 0% |
| Roscommon Sharp |
1 | 1 other | 11 May | 0% |
| Clonmel Sharp |
1 | 1 other | 5 Jun | 0% |
| Listowel Sharp |
1 | 1 other | 24 Sep | 0% |
| Punchestown Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 20 Feb | 0% |