What makes Churchwarden worth watching rather than writing off is the company it keeps. Henry De Bromhead is one of the most respected trainers in Irish racing, operating out of Knockeen in County Waterford, and his yard has sent out 107 winners already this season — that is a formidable operation, and horses in that stable tend to be placed with care and purpose. When De Bromhead keeps running a horse, there is usually a reason.
The clearest pointer to where Churchwarden might find its best form is in the longer distances. Over two miles and beyond, it has won 1 from 5 races — that 20% win rate is three times better than its overall record, which for a horse that has only won once in its career is a significant signal. Jockey Ben Harvey has been the regular partner in the saddle, winning 1 of their 5 races together, the same 20% figure, suggesting the combination has at least found its one moment of success working in tandem.
Raced just yesterday, Churchwarden is clearly an active runner with more chances ahead. The long wait since Kilbeggan is admittedly hard to ignore — twenty months is a long time — but in a yard producing winners at this rate, patience tends to come with a plan.
| Course | Races | Results | Last visited | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galway Tight |
3 | 3 other | 9 Sep | 0% |
| Kilbeggan Tight |
2 | 1 win, 1 second | 4 Sep | 50% |
| The Curragh Galloping |
2 | 2 other | 12 Oct | 0% |
| Musselburgh Sharp |
2 | 1 second, 1 other | 4 Feb | 0% |
| Navan Galloping |
2 | 2 other | 8 Apr | 0% |
| Ayr Galloping |
2 | 2 other | 30 Sep | 0% |
| Roscommon Sharp |
1 | 1 other | 11 May | 0% |
| Down Royal Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 22 Jun | 0% |
| Bellewstown Sharp |
1 | 1 third | 6 Jul | 0% |
| Punchestown Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 20 Feb | 0% |