The raw numbers tell a story of a horse that gets close but has rarely been able to seal the deal. One win and nine placed finishes from 26 races adds up to a win rate of just 4%, or roughly one win from every 25 outings. That said, nine places is not nothing — this is a horse that has been competitive, just not quite able to get its nose in front when it mattered. The placed finishes suggest ability; it just took a long time to convert.
The most interesting subplot is the record with regular jockey Adam Caffrey. The pair have teamed up nine times without a win, which makes the Navan victory this week all the more worth noting — though it is not yet clear from the records whether Caffrey was in the saddle for the breakthrough. Either way, the yard has been in decent form this season with six winners sent out, so the timing of this win fits a stable that has been hitting its stride.
Recent form has been patchy — a string of mid-pack finishes in the last few runs — which made the win at Navan something of a surprise on paper. But Navan clearly suited on the day, and for a horse that has spent the better part of its career collecting near-misses, getting the job done once has a value beyond the prize money. The team at Ardee will hope this is a turning point rather than a one-off, but for now, after 26 races and a whole lot of patience, Gotta Catch'em All has finally lived up to its name.
| Course | Races | Results | Last visited | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navan Galloping |
4 | 1 win, 3 other | 11 Jul | 25% |
| Roscommon Sharp |
4 | 1 third, 3 other | 18 May | 0% |
| Galway Tight |
4 | 4 other | 30 Jul | 0% |
| The Curragh Galloping |
4 | 3 seconds, 1 other | 4 Oct | 0% |
| Gowran Park Undulating |
2 | 2 other | 3 Sep | 0% |
| Bellewstown Sharp |
2 | 1 second, 1 other | 3 Jul | 0% |
| Dundalk Galloping |
2 | 1 second, 1 other | 31 Oct | 0% |
| Tramore Sharp |
2 | 1 second, 1 other | 16 Aug | 0% |
| Ballinrobe Sharp |
1 | 1 other | 22 Jul | 0% |
| Leopardstown Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 12 Apr | 0% |