Buccabay

The most interesting thread in Buccabay's record is its partnership with jockey Charles Bishop. In 15 races together, they have won 3 times — a win rate of 1 in 5, which is nearly three times better than the horse's overall record. That kind of improvement with one rider suggests there is a genuine connection there, and Bishop seems to know how to get the best from this horse when it matters. Their first win together came at Ascot on 22 July 2022, and they have built on that since.

Ground conditions matter hugely here too. Buccabay wins at its best on normal, standard ground — 2 wins from 9 races in those conditions, a rate of 22 percent. That is the kind of preference you can actually use to predict when the horse might fire. Softer, wetter ground is clearly less ideal, and that could explain some of the tougher patches.

The timing is tricky. Buccabay last won nine months ago, at Kempton Park on 3 December 2025, and has not finished in the frame in its last six outings — a rough spell that includes a run just yesterday. Most of these recent races have been at Class 4 level, where the horse has managed only 1 win from 16 attempts, suggesting the competition there is simply too strong. Eve Johnson Houghton's Blewbury yard, which has sent out 42 winners this season, will be looking for an opening at the right track and the right ground. With Bishop in the saddle and normal ground beneath Buccabay's feet, there is still a race to be won.