Grant Wood

The place that brings out the best in Grant Wood is Newcastle. Three wins from just six races there is a remarkable record — that is a 50% win rate at a single track, meaning he has won half of every race he has started on that course. For context, most horses at this level win far less than 1 in 5 anywhere. His most recent win came at Newcastle in March 2026, and whatever it is about that track — the shape, the surface, the way it suits his running style — he consistently delivers there.

Normal ground conditions are also key to understanding him. In normal conditions he has won 4 from 12 races, a 33% win rate that is more than double his overall average. When the ground is right and the track is right, Grant Wood becomes a noticeably better horse.

His trainer Paul Midgley, who operates out of Westow in North Yorkshire and has sent out 39 winners this season, has spoken warmly about him. After a setback following a run at Haydock in May, Midgley confirmed the horse had taken time to come right but was back galloping well. He also noted that Grant Wood doesn't have much room to manoeuvre at his current rating of 85 — meaning he has climbed high enough in the rankings that races are getting harder to win — but described him as honest and genuine, the kind of horse you can rely on. His most trusted jockey is David Nolan, who has ridden him 19 times and won on 4 of those occasions, a win rate of around 1 in 5 — notably better than Grant Wood's overall average, suggesting the partnership works.

Having raced just one day ago, Grant Wood is clearly still in active training and still in the mix. For a horse who keeps posting personal bests, that is worth paying attention to.