Stumblin In

The really interesting thing about Stumblin In is its connection with jockey Jack Doyle. When Doyle is in the saddle, the horse performs noticeably better. In their five races together, Doyle has steered Stumblin In to the winner's circle once, a 20% win rate that is significantly higher than the horse's overall 5%. That is a real edge, and it suggests the partnership clicks in a way that matters. Trainer W J Martin, based in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, continues to campaign the horse despite the long drought without victory, which points to genuine belief that there is another win in there somewhere.

The recent form is tough to read. A third-place finish came up six races ago, but the last five outings have produced nothing — no places, no close calls. For a horse of modest ability, that kind of form can feel like the beginning of the end. Yet Stumblin In raced just a day ago and remains in active training, so Martin is clearly not ready to give up on him. Whether another win arrives or not, this is a horse that has at least earned the memory of that April day at Tramore.