Conor Smithers(7)

The "(7)" next to his name is a weight allowance — a small advantage given to less experienced jockeys to help them compete against the seasoned professionals they ride alongside. It is a sign that he is still learning the craft, and the clock is ticking on how long he can claim it.

What makes the current situation worth noting is the contrast with his previous season, when he was winning around 1 in every 17 rides — not spectacular, but enough to suggest genuine progress. That momentum has stalled completely. Whether that is down to the quality of horses he has been put on, a loss of confidence, or simply the brutal randomness that can define a young jockey's early years, it is hard to say from the numbers alone. What is clear is that his next winner — whenever it comes — will matter more than most.