Idy Wood

The standout moment of his career so far came at Kempton Park on 10 November 2025, where he won a Class 2 race — one of the better races you can win in Britain. Trainer Gavin Cromwell, who operates out of Navan in Co. Meath and has sent out 96 winners this season alone, described him after that race as "a very decent novice hurdler" who has also won over fences, but who seems to have found a new gear since returning to hurdles. Cromwell noted he has good Kempton form and clearly likes the track, which is the kind of course-specific affinity that smart teams exploit. That win was eight months ago, and his recent runs — including a couple of well-beaten efforts — suggest he has had a bumpy road since, though one race at Hexham was explained by a nasty injury at the first fence that half removed his hoof. He was forgiven for that one.

His partnership with jockey Gavin Sheehan is worth noting. In 16 races together, Sheehan has ridden him to all 7 wins — a 44% win rate as a combination, which is the kind of stat that makes trainers keep booking the same jockey. Cromwell's comments on the stable tour are warm and affectionate: he called Idy Wood "a legend" and suggested the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival as a potential target, a fiercely competitive race that always draws a big field. The trainer also floated the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham, though ground conditions and the step up to three miles would need to suit. Either way, a horse described as reliable and consistent by the man who trains him, heading toward the biggest meeting of the jumps season, is worth keeping an eye on.