Lakewood Rose

The partnership with Miss N C Hennessy tells its own story. Ten races together, no wins. That is a long run of close calls and what-might-have-beens for both horse and rider, and at some point the team will need to ask whether something needs to change to unlock that first victory.

Her recent form makes for honest reading: a sixth, two fourths, a third, and a seventh in her last five completed races. The third-place finish is the brightest spot — proof she can get close — but the overall picture is of a horse who finds her level comfortably in the middle of the field rather than at the front of it. She raced just yesterday, which at least shows she is fit, willing, and still being given chances. At eight years old, time is not endlessly on her side, but the fact she is still active and still placing occasionally means the door has not completely closed on that first win.