Gabbys Cross

Both of those wins came with Rachael Blackmore in the saddle, and that partnership is worth paying attention to. Together they have won 2 from 9 races — roughly 1 in every 4 — which is a significantly better rate than anyone else has managed on him. Blackmore herself was candid about why after his win at Galway in July 2022: she described him as "quite quirky" and "difficult to ride," someone who needs careful handling at home and on the track. That she can unlock something in him that others cannot is a real mark of her skill, and it is probably no coincidence that both career wins belong to her.

The Galway win was his last, and it was now 46 months ago. That is a long gap, and the honest truth is that Gabbys Cross has not found the winner's enclosure since. He has placed eight times in total, so he is competitive enough — not disgracing himself — but that final step has proved elusive, especially at the top level where he has tried three times without success in Class 1 races.

Currently trained by Nick Scholfield at Lambourn, and racing as recently as yesterday, he is still active and still being aimed at races. Scholfield's yard has sent out 19 winners this season, so there is clearly form and intent there. The hope from the team is that he can finally convert one of his placed efforts into a win — a horse with his history of near-misses and strong partnerships can absolutely do it. Whether Gabbys Cross has one more win left in him at 11 is the question his the yard are still trying to answer.