What is worth noting is that recent form shows signs of life. Going back through the last six races, Crafty Gael finished third and then second before results dipped away — those back-to-back near-misses suggest this is a horse that can compete when things click. The most recent run came just yesterday, so the yard are clearly keeping it busy and looking for the right opportunity.
Shane O'Callaghan has partnered Crafty Gael five times without a winner between them, which is a frustrating record for both horse and rider. Finding that breakthrough together would be a moment worth waiting for. In the meantime, the horse is in the care of Ross O'Sullivan's yard in Kilcullen, Co Kildare — and that is no small thing. O'Sullivan's team has sent out 34 winners already this season, which tells you this is a yard that knows how to get horses to perform. If any operation can find the right race to get Crafty Gael off the mark, it is one running at that kind of level.
The honest truth is that a horse of seven with no wins yet needs things to fall just right. But it raced yesterday, it has placed five times, and it sits in a yard full of confidence. Stranger things have happened.
| Course | Races | Results | Last visited | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punchestown Galloping |
5 | 1 second, 4 other | 11 Jun | 0% |
| Naas Galloping |
3 | 1 second, 2 other | 12 Jan | 0% |
| Kilbeggan Tight |
2 | 1 second, 1 other | 24 Apr | 0% |
| Limerick Galloping |
2 | 2 other | 16 Apr | 0% |
| Wexford Sharp |
1 | 1 second | 7 Jul | 0% |
| Downpatrick Undulating |
1 | 1 third | 13 Aug | 0% |
| Fairyhouse Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 8 Nov | 0% |