Evocative Spark

His connection to normal ground is just as pronounced. On firm or soft surfaces he rarely shines, but when conditions are typical and dry, he wins one race in every four. His recent form has been patchy — he finished fourth, seventh, ninth, fifth and sixth in his last five runs before returning to Catterick Bridge four months ago, where he won. That long spell without a victory is the pattern of his career: he can go quiet for weeks, then pick a race where everything aligns and deliver.

John David Riches's yard at Pilling, Lancashire, has been shrewd about where they run him. Evocative Spark typically competes in Class 4 races, the lower tier of British racing, where he wins roughly one in twenty times. But drop him into a Class 2 race — one of the top races in the country — and he has shown he belongs. His biggest moment came at Chester in June 2022, when he won a Class 2, signalling that he has genuine quality. Sean Kirrane, his most frequent jockey, has partnered him for ten races and won twice; both men understand that this horse needs the right setup. Last raced just a day ago, Evocative Spark remains active and hunting for his next winning opportunity.