Beauforts Storm

The two wins give a decent shape to its career. The first came at Cork in July 2023, and the second at Thurles in November 2024 — meaning there is now an 18-month gap since it last visited the winner's enclosure. That drought is the most pressing storyline right now. The last six outings read 7-5-blank-blank-6-12, which includes a couple of runs where it simply didn't complete and some finishes well back in the field. There are hints of ability in there — a fifth-place finish suggests it is still trying — but the overall picture is a horse that has found winning hard to come by.

Mr D Doyle has been in the saddle for 18 of those 22 career races, and the pair have clicked twice together, which works out at roughly 1 win from every 9 rides. It is a partnership built on familiarity rather than fireworks, with the rider knowing the horse's quirks as well as anyone. The trainer, Timothy Doyle, operates out of Moyne in County Tipperary and has sent out two winners so far this season — a modest but honest tally that fits the profile of a small yard competing consistently at a realistic level.

What is worth noting is that Beauforts Storm raced just one day ago, which means it is very much an active runner rather than a horse being managed towards a comeback. At seven, it has plenty of experience, and horses like this can sometimes find a race that suits out of nowhere. But with 18 months since its last win and recent form that points downward, the next victory — whenever it comes — will have been a long time in the making.