Blackwater Lilly

That single victory came at Bangor-on-Dee on 17 May 2025, which is now roughly 12 months ago and six races behind. The recent run of form — finishing fourth, sixth, third, second, eleventh, and fourth in her last six outings — captures the pattern perfectly: present, involved, occasionally flirting with the front, but not quite getting there. The second place is tantalising. The eleventh is a reminder that consistency is not really Blackwater Lilly's calling card.

The longer trips suit her best. Over distances of two miles or more, she has won 1 from 12 races — that 8% win rate is not dazzling, but it is where her one career moment of glory came from, and it is clearly the territory worth persisting with. The puzzle is that she most often competes at Class 5, which is the more accessible end of the racing ladder, and has yet to win at that level in 7 attempts. She won at a different level and has not been able to replicate it since. That gap between potential and delivery is what keeps her the yard — her trainer, Neil King, and the team at their yard in Wroughton, Wiltshire — pressing on.

Craig Nichol rides her most regularly and has been aboard for her best moments, winning once from their six races together — a win rate of 17%, or roughly 1 in 6, which is actually a decent ratio given Blackwater Lilly's overall record. The King yard has been in solid form this season with 16 winners sent out, so the infrastructure is there. Blackwater Lilly raced just yesterday, which suggests she is fit and being kept busy. Whether busy eventually becomes brilliant again is the question. For now, she is a horse that gives you just enough to keep believing.