J P Fahey

The most striking detail in Fahey's recent numbers is his partnership with jockey Ronan Whelan. The two have teamed up 29 times without a single win between them. That is not necessarily a reflection of either man's ability — racing is unforgiving and sometimes combinations just do not click — but 29 races is a long run without a result, and at some point both parties will be asking whether a change might shake things up.

There is a small bright spot worth noting: on slightly soft, damp ground, Fahey's horses have won 1 from 16 races this season, a 6% win rate that sits meaningfully above his overall average. It is a thin sample, but it hints that when the ground suits, the yard can still find a way to the winner's enclosure. For anyone watching Fahey's runners, keeping an eye on the forecast might be worth doing.

Thirty-four career winners in four years tells you this is a trainer who knows what he is doing — the winners are there in the record. The current lean spell is the story of right now, not the whole story. Yards go through quiet periods, form cycles turn, and a trainer with Fahey's foundation has every reason to believe the numbers will start moving in the right direction again. The question is simply when.