Shelbourne Flyer

The most interesting detail in that sequence is the 2nd place finish, which at least shows Shelbourne Flyer is capable of running a competitive race. The jump from that to a 10th and a 14th, however, suggests something inconsistent at the heart of this horse's performances. Donagh O'Connor has been the jockey most often asked to solve the puzzle, riding Shelbourne Flyer five times without success — though in fairness, the horse has not won for anyone.

What keeps this interesting is the yard behind it. Noel Meade's operation in Castletown, Co Meath is one of the more productive training outfits around, having sent out 42 winners already this season. That kind of record means Meade knows what a racehorse in form looks like, and the fact that Shelbourne Flyer remains in training — racing as recently as yesterday — suggests the team still believes there is a race to be won somewhere. Sometimes a horse just needs the right conditions, the right day, or the right piece of luck. Shelbourne Flyer has not found any of those yet, but at five years old, the clock is ticking.