Perceval Legallois

That knack for Leopardstown proved decisive again on 1 February 2025, when Perceval came from well behind to claim victory over hurdles at the Dublin Racing Festival in a manner that plainly delighted both jockey Mark Walsh and trainer Gavin Cromwell. Walsh, who has steered Perceval to five wins from 17 races — an impressive 29 percent success rate when the two pair up — later described how the horse "got me out of trouble" that day. Walsh had been too far back early on, exactly where he didn't want to be, but Perceval wove through the field and jumped the last with ease to win. The jockey's relief was genuine: the horse had deserved a break after being unlucky on its previous runs.

Since then, form has stalled. Perceval has raced six times without adding to its tally, most recently just a day ago, finishing eighth. Cromwell, who trains from Navan and has sent out 96 winners this season, has options. He is considering entries in the Coral Gold Cup, a top-level chase, or even a return to hurdles at some point, though he regards Perceval as a better chaser than hurdler at heart. The Grand National is also in the mix. At nine years old, with all that Leopardstown form in the locker, Perceval still has time to click into another winning streak.