Gaelic Des Chastys

The wins themselves came early in the horse's recent campaign. The first breakthrough came at Punchestown in June 2024, and the second followed three months later at Listowel. Since then, nothing — just a steady stream of minor placings. In the last six races alone, Gaelic Des Chastys has come second four times and third once, with only one race outside the frame. It is a frustrating picture: clearly capable of running well enough to finish near the front, yet unable to deliver that final push to win. Even more telling is that the horse was last out just a day ago, which means it is still being brought to the races regularly by trainer E McNamara's yard in Rathkeale, County Limerick. The yard itself is having a decent season with 22 winners, so the staff plainly believes there is still something left in this ten-year-old.

Regular jockey Patrick M O'Brien has ridden Gaelic Des Chastys five times without a win, suggesting the partnership has not yet found the magic needed to get the horse home first. Whether a change of rider or a different type of race might spark something remains to be seen, but what is clear is that at ten years old and on a year-long losing streak, this is a horse running more on hope than momentum.