Shinnhill

His recent form paints a picture of inconsistency. Over his last six races — raced most recent first — he has finished unplaced, second, unplaced, seventh, first, and seventh. That sole win in the sequence sits isolated, surrounded by defeats that range from close misses to well-beaten efforts. What is notable is that he was still racing just one day ago, which means Shinnhill remains actively campaigned despite the lean record. At nine years old, most horses have either found their level or been retired, but this one continues to be entered and sent out to race. Whether that speaks to genuine hope from his team or simply reflects the economics of keeping an older horse in work is unclear from the figures alone. What is certain is that winning once at the same track — Downpatrick — 26 months ago was enough to keep him going, even if nothing similar has arrived since.