In d'Or

That most recent win came at Ascot in January 2025, which tells its own story. Ascot is not a track where ordinary horses go and perform — it is one of the sport's more demanding venues, and winning there carries genuine weight. His first career win had come at Ludlow back in March 2024, so there is a clear trajectory of a horse stepping up and delivering on bigger stages. At his preferred class level — Class 4, which sits in the middle tier of British racing — he has won 2 from 5 races, a 40% win rate that suggests he is well-suited to that grade and is usually competitive when trained to peak fitness.

The partnership with amateur rider and owner David Maxwell has been central to his story. Maxwell has ridden him in 9 of his 12 races, winning 3 of them — a win rate of 1 in 3, which is a strong record for any partnership. What makes it more interesting is that Maxwell is not just the jockey but the owner, a combination that tends to produce a particular kind of chemistry. After the Ascot win, Maxwell spoke with real affection about In d'Or's jumping ability, admitting he never expected the horse to take to fences so naturally, and suggesting he could develop into something quite special over staying trips.

Trained by Fergal O'Brien at his yard in Withington, Gloucestershire — a yard that has fired out 90 winners already this season, which is a serious output — In d'Or is part of a busy, high-functioning operation. O'Brien has spoken about potentially targeting the Ultima, a prestigious race at the Cheltenham Festival, which would represent a significant step up in class but signals exactly the kind of ambition this horse is now inspiring. He raced just yesterday, so the yard are keeping him ticking over, and the sense around the yard is that the best of In d'Or may still be ahead of him.