His recent peak came in October when he won a top-level race at Doncaster, a statement victory that announced him as a serious horse. Earlier in 2024, he broke through with his first win at The Curragh in June. What makes Hotazhell tick is his personality. He is not a horse that wins by ten lengths; he wins by fighting, by looking across at his rivals and simply refusing to be beaten. His trainer, Mrs John Harrington, describes him as smashing and tough, while jockey Shane Foley notes that when Hotazhell gets to the front, he relaxes and doesn't do much more than necessary—a sign of a genuine competitor who knows his own ability. Foley has won four races from nine on him, a 44% win rate together, a partnership that clearly works.
Hotazhell thrives on slightly soft ground, winning two of three races when conditions are wet or muddy. Shane Foley has ridden him in most of those victories, and the pair seem to understand each other perfectly. The horse is a touch feisty—hence the name—and requires careful handling at the races, even saddled in the stables with a red hood to keep him calm. It is the mark of a quality performer: high-strung, intelligent, and completely serious about winning. His trainer's yard at Moone has sent out 53 winners this season, and Hotazhell is one of the most reliable earners among them.
| Course | Races | Results | Last run | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Curragh Galloping |
5 | 2 wins, 1 second, 2 thirds | 28 Jun | 40% |
| Leopardstown Galloping |
4 | 2 wins, 2 other | 12 Sep | 50% |
| Doncaster Galloping |
1 | 1 win | 26 Oct | 100% |
| Sandown Park Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 5 Jul | 0% |
| Navan Galloping |
1 | 1 second | 7 Jun | 0% |