Paws For Thought

The partnership with Charlie Maggs is the heartbeat of Paws For Thought's record. Together they have won 3 times from 12 races—a 25% win rate—which is significantly better than the horse's overall figures and suggests real understanding between jockey and horse. Their most recent victory came at Chester on 20 September 2025, though that win now sits a full year in the past. The fact that the horse has not won in its last six races is worth noting, but it has picked up places in that stretch (finishing second, fifth, seventh, and eleventh in various runs), which shows it is still competitive and turning in performances that matter, even if the winning post has eluded it lately.

Donald McCain's yard at Cholmondeley, in Cheshire, has sent out 55 winners this season, which speaks to the strength of the operation. Paws For Thought raced just yesterday, which means it is actively in work and part of McCain's plans going forward. At eight years old, the horse is in the prime years of its career and, given its strong record at Class 4, should have plenty of winning opportunities ahead if it can find its way back into the winner's circle. For a horse of its age and experience, one year between wins is not unusual, and Chester—where it has shown it can win—may yet see it succeed again.