What makes Malton Groove's story more intriguing than his bare statistics is his pedigree and what his trainer has observed about his development. Trained by Dermot McLoughlin at Bodeen in County Meath, the horse is a three-parts brother to Minella Times — a horse with genuine class in his bloodline. McLoughlin noted that Malton Groove was very backward (physically immature and struggling) last year but has been growing into himself, suggesting the trainer believes this maturing process might yet unlock something. A nine-year-old who was still developing late suggests there may be untapped potential, or at least the possibility of a change in fortune. Patrick O'Brien has been his most frequent partner, riding him 12 times without a win, so a change of jockey might bring fresh perspective.
With McLoughlin's yard firing out winners this season and Malton Groove showing recent placed form, the next month or two could prove telling. A horse with pedigree who is only just coming into his own at nine is an unusual prospect — but he remains worth watching.
| Course | Races | Results | Last visited | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wexford Sharp |
8 | 1 second, 3 thirds, 4 other | 30 Jun | 0% |
| Fairyhouse Galloping |
5 | 5 other | 4 Nov | 0% |
| Navan Galloping |
4 | 4 other | 20 Sep | 0% |
| Down Royal Galloping |
2 | 2 other | 26 Dec | 0% |
| Naas Galloping |
2 | 2 other | 12 Nov | 0% |
| Killarney Sharp |
2 | 2 other | 20 Aug | 0% |
| Bellewstown Sharp |
2 | 2 other | 27 Aug | 0% |
| Thurles Undulating |
1 | 1 other | 5 Mar | 0% |
| Tramore Sharp |
1 | 1 other | 1 Jun | 0% |
| Bangor-on-Dee Sharp |
1 | 1 third | 24 Apr | 0% |
| Haydock Park Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 3 Dec | 0% |
| Roscommon Sharp |
1 | 1 other | 5 Aug | 0% |
| Limerick Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 21 May | 0% |
| Fontwell Park Tight |
1 | 1 other | 22 Feb | 0% |
| Punchestown Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 7 Jun | 0% |
| Downpatrick Undulating |
1 | 1 second | 13 Jun | 0% |
| Uttoxeter Sharp |
1 | 1 other | 29 Jun | 0% |
| Gowran Park Undulating |
1 | 1 other | 17 Feb | 0% |