Hesgonethatway

That first win came at Naas on 7 February 2026, and it matters more than the bare statistic suggests. Naas is a well-regarded track that attracts decent competition, so breaking through there rather than at a quieter venue says something about the horse's ability. The victory arrived eight weeks ago, and with a race just yesterday, the team clearly believe he is in a good spell of form worth exploiting while it lasts.

The recent run of results — finishing 18th, 5th, 1st, 8th, 6th, and 12th in his last six races — is patchy, and there is no point pretending otherwise. But that win sits in the middle of some modest efforts, which is often how it goes with younger horses who can blow hot and cold as they develop. The question his trainer P J Rothwell will be asking is whether February's winner was a glimpse of the real horse or a fortunate afternoon. Rothwell, based in Tinahely in County Wicklow, has sent out 36 winners already this season — a yard clearly in fine form — which gives some confidence that Hesgonethatway is being placed and managed with a proper plan in mind.

At five years old, he still has time on his side. Some horses take longer than others to work out what racing is actually about, and a trainer with 36 winners on the board this season is well placed to bring the best out of him.