The most encouraging sign is what has happened in the last two weeks. Howard has produced 1 winner from just 5 runners — a 20% win rate that is more than three times his seasonal average. Small samples can flatter, but that kind of short-term form suggests something is clicking at the yard right now, whether that is horses coming to their peak fitness or simply a trainer growing in confidence.
His best results come on normal ground, where he wins 1 in every 9 races — a notably stronger return than his overall figures and a useful pointer for anyone following his runners. His most familiar partner has been Bhean Saibhre, a horse he has raced 19 times, producing 1 win from that long association. Nineteen races together is a real working relationship, the kind that only develops over time, even if the scoreboard has not always reflected it.
Howard is still early in his journey — four years in, learning the game, improving season on season. The step from 1% to 6% might not sound dramatic, but in training terms it represents real progress, and the recent fortnight hints that more could be on the way.
| Course | Races | Wins | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Curragh | 4 | 0 | 0% |
| Punchestown | 4 | 0 | 0% |
| Limerick | 3 | 1 | 33.3% |
| Ballinrobe | 3 | 1 | 33.3% |
| Roscommon | 3 | 0 | 0% |
| Navan | 3 | 0 | 0% |
| Cork | 2 | 0 | 0% |
| Clonmel | 2 | 0 | 0% |
| Naas | 2 | 0 | 0% |
| Gowran Park | 1 | 0 | 0% |
| Down Royal | 1 | 0 | 0% |
| Galway | 1 | 0 | 0% |
| Fairyhouse | 1 | 0 | 0% |
| Wexford | 1 | 0 | 0% |
| Bellewstown | 1 | 0 | 0% |
| Kilbeggan | 1 | 0 | 0% |