Icare Desbois

The best version of Icare Desbois shows up at shorter trips, between a mile and six furlongs and two miles, where he has won 1 from 3 races — a solid 33%, meaning he wins roughly 1 in every 3 outings at those distances. That is a noticeably better return than his overall record, which stands at 3 wins from 20 races, or about 1 in every 7. The gap between those two numbers is worth paying attention to: get the trip right, and this horse is a different proposition.

His first win came at Fairyhouse in April 2022, and his most recent at The Curragh in August 2024 — now 21 months ago. That gap is the awkward truth at the centre of his recent record. The last six races have produced a third place and five finishes well off the pace, including a 15th, and he has not been close to winning since that Curragh success. Whether that represents a horse in a rough patch or one whose best days are behind him is the question Kelly's team will be working through.

Paul Townend, one of the most sought-after riders in Irish jump racing, has partnered Icare Desbois seven times and won once together — a win rate of 14%, or roughly 1 in every 7 rides. That is a modest return for such a high-profile jockey, though Townend's involvement at all suggests the yard has had genuine belief in the horse at various points. Kelly himself has sent out 13 winners this season, so the operation is in decent form even if this particular horse is not firing at the moment.

He raced just yesterday, which means he is very much in the thick of his campaign right now. Whether a change of trip, a different surface, or simply time produces a return to form remains to be seen — but Icare Desbois is not done yet.