Withabitofluk

That sole win came at Bellewstown back in April 2024, now over two years ago, and it was enough to catch the eye of everyone who saw it. Henry De Bromhead, one of Ireland's most respected trainers and a man whose yard has sent out 110 winners this season alone, has kept faith with the horse ever since. De Bromhead has spoken warmly about the way Withabitofluk works at home, describing him as a horse who goes nicely in training — which in racing circles is a meaningful thing to say. It suggests the talent is there, even if it has not always shown up on race day.

What is also telling is the ground note. De Bromhead has indicated that the normal conditions at Bellewstown that April day were probably about as fast as Withabitofluk would want underfoot — in other words, he is likely to be better suited when the ground is a little softer and slower. That kind of detail matters, because it means his record on fast, dry ground may not be a true reflection of what he can do when conditions suit him. His recent form figures — two consecutive second-place finishes — suggest he is running well enough, just not quite getting over the line.

For a horse trained by a yard of De Bromhead's calibre, the expectation is always that the good days will come. Two years is a long time to wait for a second win, but with a horse who clearly has ability and a trainer who clearly believes in him, it would be unwise to write Withabitofluk off just yet.