The trouble is timing. Leading Choice last won in February 2024, more than two and a half years ago, and has failed to win in its last six races. The form sheet reads 3rd, then out of the placings, then 3rd again, 9th, 4th, and 6th most recently. This suggests the horse is still running and trying, but the wins have dried up. Sean Houlihan, who rides Leading Choice most often, has partnered it for five races and won once, a rate slightly better than its overall record. Nicky Martin's Withypool yard continues to send out winners — nine this season — so the training setup is clearly capable, even if this particular horse hasn't found the winner's enclosure in a long time.
At nine years old, Leading Choice remains active and was back on the track just a day ago. It is the kind of horse that a small yard can rely on for a decent run most weeks, and at Class 4 level, when the race is right and circumstances align, it has shown enough to win. The dry spell is real, but so is the fact that this horse keeps running and keeps staying competitive. For a veteran of 12 races, that durability counts for something.
| Course | Races | Results | Last run | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheltenham Galloping |
2 | 2 other | 17 Apr | 0% |
| Uttoxeter Sharp |
2 | 1 second, 1 third | 16 Mar | 0% |
| Ffos Las Galloping |
1 | 1 win | 16 Oct | 100% |
| Wetherby Galloping |
1 | 1 win | 3 Feb | 100% |
| Newbury Galloping |
1 | 1 third | 17 Feb | 0% |
| Haydock Park Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 18 Jan | 0% |
| Bangor-on-Dee Sharp |
1 | 1 other | 25 Feb | 0% |
| Newton Abbot Sharp |
1 | 1 third | 17 Oct | 0% |
| Leicester Sharp |
1 | 1 other | 5 Dec | 0% |
| Chepstow Galloping |
1 | 1 third | 25 Oct | 0% |