Ned Broy

What makes the situation a little puzzling is the yard behind the horse. Trainer Iain Jardine, based in Carrutherstown in Dumfries and Galloway, has sent out 57 winners already this season — that is a yard clearly operating at a high level and capable of getting horses to win races. When a stable is firing like that, you would hope some of that form eventually rubs off on every horse in the string. Ned Broy has not felt that warmth yet.

The horse typically competes in Class 5 races, the level where most horses on the fringes of competitiveness spend their time. Even there, it has drawn a blank in all three attempts. Raced just nine days ago and still active, there will be more chances — but at five years old, with six runs already on the clock and nothing to show for them, the pressure to start delivering is quietly growing.