Boston Bobby

What makes the current picture slightly more interesting is the recent form. Two dashes in the last six runs indicate races where he didn't finish — whether through falling, unseating his rider, or being pulled up — so it is not a clean record by any stretch. But sandwiched in there is that Down Royal win and an eleventh-place finish, which at least confirms he is still taking part and still capable of producing his best on the right day. He raced just yesterday, so whatever shape he is in, the yard clearly believes there is still something to run for.

That yard is P J Rothwell's operation in Tinahely, County Wicklow, and it is worth noting that Rothwell has sent out 36 winners this season — a trainer operating in decent form who knows how to get a horse ready to win. The fact that Boston Bobby finally got his head in front under this team, after so many near misses and blank days, suggests they found the right race at the right time on St Stephen's Day. Down Royal in late December is a well-attended, competitive fixture, which makes the win feel a little more meaningful than if it had come in a quiet mid-week affair. Four months on from that day, the question now is whether he can add a second win to his name — or whether that December afternoon will remain the highlight of a career defined more by resilience than results.