Sioux Warrior

That single win came at Brighton, and it remains the solitary highlight of a career that has otherwise been defined by near-misses. Since then, Sioux Warrior has gone six races without winning, with recent finishes of seventh, fifth, sixth, fifth, second, and third — that second and third place showing the horse is still competitive, still knocking on the door, just not quite pushing it open. A win rate of roughly 1 in every 25 races tells you this is not a dominant force, but 12 places from 25 races tells you it is no also-ran either.

What makes the record slightly puzzling is the class level. Sioux Warrior has raced ten times in Class 5 — the more accessible end of the racing ladder — and has not won any of them. That is 0 from 10 at a level where, in theory, the competition should be within reach. Yet the horse keeps placing, keeps being there at the finish, which suggests ability that has not quite translated into that elusive second victory.

The horse is trained by Adrian Wintle, operating out of Westbury-On-Severn in Gloucestershire. Wintle's yard has been in solid form this season, sending out 30 winners, which suggests the training operation is ticking along well. Sioux Warrior raced just one day ago, so this is a horse very much in the middle of an active campaign, and at five years old there is still time for the record to look a little different by the end of the season. Whether it will is another question — but if recent form is anything to go by, expect another place finish before another win.