Recent form shows a horse that remains competitive. Kings Merchant has won twice in its last six races, including a victory at Catterick Bridge six weeks ago, and raced just yesterday, so it is actively campaigned. Callum Rodriguez, its most frequent partner in the saddle, has a particularly strong record aboard: four wins from 13 races together (31%), well above the horse's overall win rate. This suggests they work well as a combination and Rodriguez gets the best from the horse.
Trainer Philip Kirby, based at East Appleton in North Yorkshire, runs a productive yard that has sent out 36 winners this season. Kings Merchant typically competes at Class 4 level, where it has won 2 of 9 races (22%). The consistent top-3 finishes — 13 top-3 finishes from 34 races — indicate a genuine staying power at this level. For a horse that wins regularly enough to stay in regular work without dominating, Kings Merchant has found its niche: a dependable performer that delivers best when the ground is firm and Rodriguez is in the saddle.
| Course | Races | Results | Last run | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thirsk Galloping |
7 | 2 wins, 5 other | 1 Aug | 28.6% |
| Newcastle Galloping |
6 | 2 seconds, 4 other | 1 May | 0% |
| Catterick Bridge Sharp |
4 | 1 win, 3 other | 17 Oct | 25% |
| Carlisle Undulating |
3 | 3 other | 29 May | 0% |
| Ripon Sharp |
3 | 1 second, 1 third, 1 other | 26 Sep | 0% |
| Wolverhampton Galloping |
2 | 1 win, 1 other | 12 Mar | 50% |
| Chester Tight |
2 | 1 win, 1 other | 10 Jul | 50% |
| Doncaster Galloping |
2 | 1 win, 1 second | 3 Jul | 50% |
| York Galloping |
2 | 2 other | 25 Jul | 0% |
| Redcar Galloping |
1 | 1 third | 22 Jun | 0% |
| Ayr Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 21 Sep | 0% |
| Pontefract Undulating |
1 | 1 second | 28 Sep | 0% |