Partisan Hero

What makes Partisan Hero genuinely interesting is his consistency at Epsom Downs. He has won 2 of his 3 races there, making it clear he has an affinity for the Surrey track. He also thrives on normal ground conditions, winning 4 of 10 races when the going is standard — a 40 per cent win rate that stands well above his overall average. His best distances are between seven furlongs and a mile, where he has won 2 of 5 races. Most recently, just three months ago, he won at York after displaying enough early pace to get the job done. His jockey noted afterward that he was tiring late on but "stuck on well," the sign of a horse with genuine grit.

The horse was bought for 72,000 guineas out of Dermot Weld's Irish yard by trainer D Loughnane, based at Stoke Heath in Shropshire. His new the yard felt he needed time to find his feet — he didn't make his debut for the yard until May 2024, seven months after arrival. His most regular partner is jockey Rossa Ryan, who has partnered him twice and won on both occasions. At six years old and with his recent win at York just three months back, Partisan Hero appears to still have opportunities ahead, particularly at courses and on conditions that suit him.