Irish Nectar

The problem is consistency. His last win came at Doncaster on 25 October 2024, and since then he's run six times without another victory, though he's picked up places — mostly finishing in mid-field rather than completely beaten. In his most recent start just a day ago, he finished tenth. Trainer Michael Herrington's yard at Willoughton has been busy this season with 33 winners to their name, so there's nothing wrong with the operation, but Irish Nectar hasn't contributed to that tally for over a year.

Where he does shine is with jockey Shane Gray in the saddle. The pair have won 2 of their 9 races together — a 22% win rate, significantly better than his overall record. This suggests they suit each other tactically. Herrington's own explanation for Irish Nectar's earlier breakthrough was telling: the horse was racing too keenly early on, burning itself out before the finish. Getting him settled and letting him pick up later worked at Nottingham in September 2023 and again at York afterwards. That patience has been the key to his rare wins. At Class 3 level — the sort of race where serious money gets wagered — he's managed just 1 win from 10 attempts, which shows this is a horse fighting at the limits of his ability. But on a wet day with Gray steering and Herrington's tactical approach working, he remains capable of surprising.