F-H Graffard

The overall numbers back up the reputation. Over the last twelve months, Graffard has sent out 6 winners from 31 runners — a win rate of 19%, or roughly 1 in every 5 runners finding the winner's enclosure. In a sport where even the very best trainers are delighted with 1 in 4, that is a healthy return, and it suggests a yard that picks its spots carefully rather than throwing horses at races in the hope something lands.

The partnership with jockey Mickael Barzalona is worth noting. Of the 21 times Barzalona has ridden for Graffard, they have won together 5 times — a win rate of 24%, or almost 1 in every 4 rides. That is meaningfully better than the yard's overall average, which usually points to a genuine working relationship rather than a purely logistical one. When you see Barzalona booked for a Graffard runner, the record says take notice.

There is also a clear preference for normal ground conditions, where the numbers become remarkable: 3 wins from just 5 races, meaning Graffard's horses have won 3 in every 5 times they have raced on a standard, well-maintained track. Small sample size, yes — but a 60% win rate in any conditions is the kind of figure that makes experienced observers do a double-take.

Only four years in, with four top-level wins all at the same prestigious venue, a productive jockey partnership, and a sharp overall win rate, Graffard looks like a trainer still building momentum rather than one who has found a ceiling. Ascot in particular should be circled in the diary whenever this yard has a runner declared.