The third-place finish is at least something to hold onto. It shows the ability to mix it with horses ahead of him in the finishing order, even if getting to the front has proved elusive. Whether that latest effort signals a horse finally finding its stride, or just a one-off, remains to be seen — he raced just yesterday, so the yard will be watching that run closely in the coming days.
What works in Danny The Champ's favour is the yard behind him. Trainer John C McConnell, based in Stamullen in County Meath, has sent out 42 winners already this season — a genuinely productive operation. A trainer hitting those numbers knows how to place a horse, and the fact that Danny The Champ is still actively racing suggests the team believes there is a race to be won somewhere down the line. Not every horse finds its moment quickly, and in a busy, confident yard, patience tends to be rewarded eventually.
| Course | Races | Results | Last run | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punchestown Galloping |
2 | 2 other | 12 Jan | 0% |
| Navan Galloping |
2 | 2 other | 6 Dec | 0% |
| Listowel Sharp |
1 | 1 other | 25 Sep | 0% |
| Leopardstown Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 2 Mar | 0% |
| Fairyhouse Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 1 Jan | 0% |
| Down Royal Galloping |
1 | 1 third | 12 Apr | 0% |