Janey Mackers

Her breakthrough came at Doncaster in October 2024, when she won a top-level Class 2 race on her first ever visit to the track. It was the kind of debut win that makes a trainer sit up straight. David Menuisier, who runs a yard in Pulborough, West Sussex that has sent out 25 winners this season, was clearly already a believer — he had been eyeing up the Oaks and the Prix de Diane for her before the season was even over. Those are two of the most prestigious middle-distance races in Europe, which tells you how highly the team rate her.

At the top level, though, she has found life harder. In 3 races at Class 1 — the very best grade — she has not yet won. That is not unusual for a young horse still finding her feet against the very best, and Menuisier has been vocal about there being more to come from her this season. Her recent form reads 12-1-17-6-6-1 from most recent backwards, meaning her last race was a win at Newbury in September 2025 — but that was around seven months ago. She is now returning from a five-month break, which always adds a small question mark, however well a horse looks at home.

What gives genuine confidence is the trainer's record at the specific race he is pointing her towards. Menuisier won the Kincsem Handicap at Goodwood three years ago with another horse, and he noted that Janey Mackers handles the track well and looks in good shape. A trainer who knows a race, knows a track, and believes in his horse is as good a starting point as any. At four years old, she is at exactly the age when horses tend to take their biggest steps forward. The next few months should tell us whether the early promise was a glimpse of something special — or simply a very good October afternoon at Doncaster.