The recent form makes for interesting reading. Racing just yesterday, Jackandthefox has finished 4th, 3rd, 7th, 10th, 5th and 4th across its last six outings — read from the most recent backwards, that is a horse that was threatening a top-three finish before a couple of flat efforts in the middle, then bouncing back again. The 3rd place in that sequence is probably the most encouraging, a reminder that on the right day, in the right race, this horse can get competitive.
Rory Cleary has ridden Jackandthefox more than anyone else — ten times together — and the pair have yet to win. That is not necessarily a criticism of either horse or jockey; sometimes a partnership just needs the one good day to click. But ten attempts without a win is a notable statistic, and it raises the question of whether a change of approach might eventually shake things loose.
At seven, time is not necessarily running out — plenty of horses find their groove at this age — but the window is narrowing. For now, Jackandthefox remains one of racing's persistent nearly-horses: consistent enough to keep the yard hopeful, just not quite sharp enough to get its nose in front.
| Course | Races | Results | Last visited | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dundalk Galloping |
13 | 1 second, 1 third, 11 other | 15 Aug | 0% |
| Fairyhouse Galloping |
4 | 1 second, 3 other | 1 Jul | 0% |
| Naas Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 5 Jul | 0% |
| Navan Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 29 Mar | 0% |
| The Curragh Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 23 Oct | 0% |
| Gowran Park Undulating |
1 | 1 third | 26 Jul | 0% |
| Galway Tight |
1 | 1 other | 31 Oct | 0% |