Sommelier

The pattern is clear and unusual. Put Sommelier on wet or muddy ground, and he becomes a different proposition entirely — he's won 2 of his 4 races (50%) when the going is soft. That's genuinely strong form. Step him up to top-tier Class 2 racing, though, and something breaks down: he's never won in 7 attempts at that level. His wins come in less competitive races, where the slower ground gives him an edge his rivals don't have.

His most recent victory came eight weeks ago at The Curragh on June 3rd, 2026, suggesting he can still find the winner's enclosure. In his last six outings, he's shown glimpses — a fifth place and a seventh among some weaker finishes — so he remains capable on his day. Marco Ghiani, his regular jockey, has ridden him 6 times and won twice (33%), considerably better than Sommelier's overall record, which suggests the partnership works.

Trainer Kieran P Cotter, based at Portarlington in County Laois, has a modest yard that's sent out 6 winners this season. Sommelier was his debut winner back in November 2023 at Chelmsford. As a horse that depends heavily on ground conditions and performs poorly in the top grade, Sommelier is best viewed as a specialist — one who needs wet going and a race pitched at his level to show up. Asked to do either of those things, he'll likely disappoint.