Grand Geste

The overall numbers tell a slightly different story: 2 wins from 17 races, meaning he wins roughly 1 in every 8 or 9 times out. That is not a flashy record. But context matters here. Most of those races came at a lower level — Class 4 — where he has never won in six attempts. The moment the yard stepped him up into the top company, something clicked. It is a little like watching a footballer who looks ordinary in the league but turns up for the cup. Grand Geste seems to need the big occasion to bring out his best.

Jockey Danny McMenamin has been the man in the saddle for both those wins, and his record aboard the horse is striking — 2 wins from 6 rides, meaning he wins roughly 1 in every 3 times they partner up. That kind of chemistry between horse and rider is not something you manufacture. The yard, trained jointly by Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith out of High Eldwick in West Yorkshire, has sent out 42 winners this season, and they clearly have a plan for this horse. The trainers have spoken openly about the Grand National as a long-term target, calling him a brilliant jumper who has already proved he can stay a distance. They are not rushing him — the view is that he is still improving and that the best is ahead of him.

One key detail the team keep coming back to is the ground. Grand Geste wants conditions on the softer side — wet or muddy ground suits him — and when that is not available, results suffer. It is worth remembering when watching him next: if the weather has been dry, temper your expectations. If it has been raining in West Yorkshire, he might be worth a closer look.