Wodao

Both wins came in a short burst back in the summer of 2022 — first at Navan in late May, then at Tipperary the following month. That Tipperary victory, now 48 months ago, remains his last. After that race, Hollinshead described him as uncomplicated, genuine, and full of pace — a horse that simply needed to be sent to the front and left to do his thing. The fact that he was pushed hard for the lead that day and only faded in the final stretch suggests he is the type who likes things on his own terms.

Since those two wins, the finishes have dried up. His last six races have produced nothing better than a fourth place, and when he steps up to the top level — Class 1 or 2 races, the elite end of British racing — he has drawn a blank in all six attempts at that level, finishing without a win. That is not necessarily a disgrace; those are the hardest races to win, and simply being competitive in them says something about a horse's ability.

What makes Wodao worth watching is that he is still active — he ran just yesterday — and Hollinshead clearly believes there is more to come. When she bought him, she noted he was inexpensive but talented, had his share of problems early on, and needed patient handling. His most reliable partner in the saddle has been Gavin Ryan, who has ridden him to both of his wins from 11 races together — a win rate of 18%, or roughly 1 in every 6 rides, which is considerably better than the overall career average. When Ryan is aboard and the conditions suit, Wodao has shown he can deliver.

The yard has sent out 7 winners already this season, so Hollinshead is in decent form. Whether Wodao can add to his tally remains to be seen, but he is still racing, still placing, and still in the hands of a trainer who believes in him. For a horse without a win in four years, that counts for something.