Riaan

He is trained by Gordon Elliott at Longwood in County Meath, one of the most prolific yards in Irish racing — 210 winners already this season, which tells you something about the operation behind him. Elliott has spoken warmly about Riaan, describing him as a horse he has always had a soft spot for, and that affection seems earned. The yard clearly believes there is more to come, with Elliott suggesting a good prize at one of the spring festivals could be within reach.

The most telling detail in Riaan's record is what happens when conditions suit him. On slightly soft ground — that is, ground with a bit of give underfoot after rain — he has won 2 of his 4 races, a remarkable 50% rate. That is not a coincidence; it is a genuine preference, and getting conditions right makes him a different horse entirely. His last win came at Sligo in October 2025, when jockey Danny Gilligan — who rides him regularly and has won 1 from their 9 races together — described him as picking up well late on and probably not even fully extended in front. A horse who wins without being fully stretched is one with something in reserve.

He has raced three times at the very highest level and not yet won there, which is honest — but those occasions have not defined him. What defines him is the Sligo win, the way soft ground transforms him, and the fact that he raced just one day ago and is still out there competing. At nine, some horses are winding down. Riaan, by the look of things, is not finished yet.