Iryna's Star

The recent form is harder to put a positive spin on. The last six outings include a fifth, an eighth, and a tenth, with the other three runs producing no recorded finishing position at all — likely meaning the horse finished well down the field. That kind of trajectory, tailing off rather than improving, is the sort of thing that will be keeping the team at Kells up at night. The partnership with jockey Wesley Joyce has now stretched to eight races together, and they are still searching for that breakthrough — not a single win between them yet.

What does offer some encouragement is the yard behind the horse. Michael Mulvany's operation in Co. Meath has sent out twenty winners this season, which tells you this is not a trainer who simply fills entries and hopes — he gets results. If Mulvany keeps Iryna's Star in the yard's programme, there is presumably a belief that a race can be found to suit. The horse raced just one day ago, so the yard are clearly keeping them busy and looking for an opportunity. Whether that opportunity comes soon is the question.