Footloose Man

At seven years old, Footloose Man has had plenty of time to figure himself out. His overall record — 3 wins and 8 places from 21 races — puts his win rate at around 1 in every 7 races, which is steady without being spectacular. But zoom in on his recent form and the picture gets more interesting. He has won 2 of his last 6 races, including a win at Fontwell as recently as November 2025, and the sequence of results reads 6-2-1-5-1-4 — a horse who flashes in and out but clearly still has his best days in front of him.

One detail that stands out is the ground. When conditions turn soft and the grass gets a bit of moisture in it, Footloose Man goes up a gear — winning 2 of 6 races in those conditions, roughly 1 in every 3. That is a meaningful jump from his general level, and it suggests that when Fontwell gets wet, this horse is genuinely worth watching.

What is slightly curious is the partnership with jockey Gavin Sheehan, who has ridden him in 7 of his races without ever getting him to the line first. That is not necessarily a criticism of either — horses and jockeys simply do not always click — but it does make you wonder whether the right combination has ever truly been found.

Hobson's yard has sent out 9 winners this season, suggesting a stable in decent nick, and Footloose Man — who raced just yesterday and is clearly in active work — competes mostly at Class 5 level, winning 3 of 15 races at that grade. He is not a horse who is going to trouble the big races, but on a wet day at Fontwell, he is exactly the kind of runner a knowledgeable friend would quietly mention before the off.