Holeshot

The first win came at Taunton on 18 February 2025, and a second followed at Warwick on 27 March. Back-to-back victories in the space of five weeks is the kind of form that makes people take notice, and it pointed to a horse that had finally found its rhythm. Since then, though, the wins have dried up — Holeshot hasn't scored in its last 6 races, with a couple of minor placings sandwiched between some quieter efforts.

Most of Holeshot's racing has come at Class 4 level, which sits in the middle of the racing ladder — not the very top, but far from a pushover either. The record there reads 1 win from 9 races, or 11%, which is modest. What stands out, however, is the partnership with jockey Alan Johns. In their 7 races together, Holeshot has won twice — that's a win rate of 29%, or roughly 2 in every 7 rides. Compare that to an overall career record of 1 in 7, and it's clear the combination works noticeably better than average. When Johns is in the saddle, the horse tends to perform.

Vaughan's yard at Aberthin in the Vale of Glamorgan has sent out 11 winners this season, so there's plenty of form in the stable. Holeshot raced just yesterday and remains an active contender. At seven years old, there may not be a huge number of opportunities left to add to that tally of two wins, but if the Johns partnership is retained and conditions suit, another day in the spotlight isn't out of the question.