Paddy Cleary(7)

The most significant relationship on his record is with trainer Gordon Elliott, one of the most powerful yards in Irish racing. From 26 rides together, Cleary has won 3 times — that is just over 1 in every 9, or around 12%. That is a meaningfully better rate than his overall average, which suggests Elliott sees something worth persisting with. Getting repeat rides from a trainer of that stature is not something that happens by accident. You have to do the small things right, ride honestly, and communicate well — and those 26 rides indicate Cleary is doing exactly that.

His partnership with Voice Of Reason tells a more patient story: 1 win from 8 races together. That might sound underwhelming, but eight rides on the same horse is actually a sign of loyalty and continuity — the team keeps putting him back on, which means they trust what he brings to the relationship even when the results have not always followed.

One detail worth noting is how he performs on normal ground conditions. From 11 races on a standard surface, he has won 2 — roughly 1 in every 5, or 18%. That is a dramatically better ratio than his overall figures, and it hints that when conditions suit and the right horse turns up beneath him, Cleary can be a genuinely competitive rider. The (7) beside his name refers to a weight allowance he receives as a claiming jockey — essentially a small advantage given to less experienced riders to help them compete. As that allowance reduces over time, the next year or two will be the real test of whether his ability can stand on its own.