Cleopatra's Needle

The key to understanding Cleopatra's Needle is distance. Over two miles or more, everything clicks into gear. In those longer races, the horse has won 2 from 8 — that is 1 in every 4, a completely different animal from the broader career figures. Stamina is clearly the engine here, and any race that asks a real question of a horse's staying power is one where Cleopatra's Needle becomes genuinely dangerous.

The most recent win came at Galway on 30 July 2025, and before that a first career victory arrived at Navan in May 2024 — so this is not a horse that finds winning easy, but when the conditions are right, it delivers on a big day. Galway in particular is one of Irish racing's most celebrated meetings, and winning there is no small thing. The trainer H Rogers, based at Ardee in County Louth, has sent out 8 winners already this season, which suggests a yard in decent form.

Regular partner Chris Hayes has ridden Cleopatra's Needle 9 times together, winning once — roughly 1 in every 9 rides. That is a modest return, but the recent form tells a more optimistic story. The last six runs read 5th, 2nd, 18th, 1st, 2nd, 7th going back from the most recent — so strip out that one poor effort and there is a horse that has been knocking on the door consistently. Crucially, Cleopatra's Needle raced just one day ago, meaning it is mid-campaign and clearly fit. At 8 years old, this is an experienced horse that knows its job. When the trip is long enough, it is always worth keeping an eye on.