The recent form makes for interesting reading. Back-to-back third-place finishes are the most encouraging thing on the sheet, and they sit at the top of a record that also includes a fourth, two sevenths, and a ninth. That is a horse gradually finding its feet rather than one that has given up trying. Crucially, What A Tahoo raced just one day ago, so it is very much in the thick of an active campaign right now.
The level it competes at — broadly the middle tier of British racing — is where plenty of three-year-olds spend their time learning the ropes, and What A Tahoo has had three outings at that level without winning any of them. That is not unusual; what matters is whether the pieces eventually click into place. The trainer will be watching those consecutive third-place finishes closely, because consistency at that level is often the first sign a horse is ready to go one better.
The yard behind it is Richard and Peter Fahey, one of the most respected training operations in the north of England, based at Musley Bank in North Yorkshire. They have sent out nine winners already this season, which tells you they know how to get horses to win races — when What A Tahoo is ready, they will have a good idea of where and when to aim it. For now, it is a horse still on the learning curve, but in the right hands to make the most of it when the moment arrives.
| Course | Races | Results | Last visited | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newcastle Galloping |
3 | 3 other | 19 Mar | 0% |
| Southwell Galloping |
2 | 2 other | 22 Jan | 0% |
| Ripon Sharp |
1 | 1 third | 17 May | 0% |
| Carlisle Undulating |
1 | 1 third | 29 May | 0% |