Harry Des Ongrais

His most recent win came at Gowran Park in February 2025, over 14 months ago now, and he has not been able to add to that tally in his last six races. That said, his recent form is patchy rather than poor — a second and a third are tucked in there, suggesting he is running his race, just not quite getting his nose in front. He has had a short break of 35 days since his last outing, which often signals a trainer sending a horse back out fresh and with purpose rather than just filling a slot.

The stable behind him is one of the strongest in Irish racing. Henry De Bromhead, based at Knockeen in County Waterford, has sent out 106 winners this season alone — that is the kind of operation where horses are placed carefully and nothing runs without a plan. Rachael Blackmore, one of the most celebrated jump jockeys in the world, has partnered Harry Des Ongrais eight times, winning once together. A 1-from-8 record between them tells you this horse makes her work for it, but the fact that she keeps coming back says something about the regard he is held in at the yard.

Harry Des Ongrais is not a horse that dominates or dazzles. He is the kind of reliable, honest competitor that any stable needs — capable of placing at a decent level, occasionally pinching a win, and still putting his best foot forward at an age when many horses have long since been retired. His first win came back in October 2022 at Wexford, and the fact that he is still racing and still competitive nearly three years on is a quiet achievement in itself.