Annsam

The headline moment of Annsam's career came on 18 December 2021, when he won a Class 1 race at Ascot — one of the biggest days of racing in Britain. That was his very first career win, which is a remarkable way to announce yourself. He followed it up with two more top-level wins in 2022 and early 2023, suggesting a horse who, on his best days, genuinely belongs at the top table. Williams himself has been careful not to overstate it — after a win at Kempton on ground he felt was working against most of the field, he was candid: "I wouldn't get carried away, but he's a horse who wins races wherever you go." That kind of honest, measured pride tells you a lot about the yard's relationship with this horse.

Annsam has a particular love for wet or muddy ground, winning 4 of just 8 races in those conditions — a remarkable 50% record. On fast, dry ground that number drops sharply, so when conditions come up soft, he becomes a very different proposition. He also has a genuine affinity for Ludlow, winning 2 of his 4 races there — a 50% record at the track — including a win as recently as December 2025. His regular jockey Adam Wedge has been aboard for 20 of his races, winning 4 of them together, which works out to 1 in every 5 rides as a pair.

There is a layer of resilience to Annsam's story, too. Williams has mentioned a hock injury in earlier years that interrupted his progress, and a bad early mistake last season cost him any chance in what would have been a significant race. He can be "very, very bullish" when fresh, which means managing him carefully matters. That the team has kept him going this long, and that he is still winning at Class 2 level in his eleventh year, is something to admire. When the old boy's name comes up — especially on soft ground at Ludlow — it is worth paying attention.