Defence Witness

The most striking thing about Defence Witness is what he does at Catterick Bridge. He has won 2 of his 5 races there, which translates to a win rate of 40% at that track — more than double his overall career average of roughly 1 in every 6. His most recent win came at Catterick in January 2026, just three months ago, and the fact that he raced again only yesterday suggests the team are keeping him busy while he's in good form. Some horses need a circuit that suits their particular style of running, and Catterick clearly brings out something in this horse that other tracks don't.

Ground conditions matter too. On slightly wet ground, Defence Witness wins 2 from 8 — a 25% win rate, one in every four races. That is a meaningful edge over his overall numbers, and trainer Sam England has noted that finding the right ground is a priority when planning his races. England is based in Guiseley, West Yorkshire, and has had a productive season — 53 winners from the yard this term, which is a healthy output at this level.

Regular jockey Ryan Mania has partnered him in 8 of his 19 races, winning once together. That is a modest 1-in-8 record between them, but the combination clearly remains the team's preferred choice. Defence Witness operates mainly at Class 5, the grassroots level of jump racing in Britain, where he has won 3 from 15 — around 1 in every 5. He is not a horse troubling the top races, but at his level, on a track he knows well and with a bit of cut in the ground, he is exactly the kind of horse that is dangerous to oppose.