Keithen Kennedy(5)

The broader numbers tell the story of a young jockey still finding his feet. In the last twelve months he has ridden 192 times and won 15 of those races — roughly 1 win in every 13, or about 8% of rides. That is modest, and honestly that is normal at this stage. Very few riders come out of the gates firing at 20 or 25%. The job of a young jockey is to accumulate experience, build relationships with trainers, and take your chances when they come. Kennedy is doing exactly that, and 53 career winners in just two years is a decent foundation.

The most important relationship in his book right now is with the yard of Mrs John Harrington. From 79 rides together they have produced 10 wins — a rate of roughly 1 in every 8, or around 13%. That is a noticeably better return than his overall average, which tells you something useful: when Kennedy is on a horse from that stable, the combination works. Trainers do not keep putting a jockey up if the trust is not there. Ten winners from 79 rides means Mrs Harrington keeps coming back, and that kind of loyalty is how young jockeys build a career.

The "(5)" next to his name refers to his apprentice allowance — a weight concession that allows his horses to carry 5 pounds less than they otherwise would. It is racing's way of giving inexperienced riders a leg up while they learn, and it makes Kennedy an attractive booking for trainers looking for an edge. As he rides more winners, that allowance will reduce and eventually disappear. When it does, the real test begins. For now, a Class 1 winner at Ayr, a productive stable partnership, and 53 winners in two years suggests Kennedy is making the most of the time he has.