Jesmond Dawn

That early promise was real. Before Jesmond Dawn had even won a race, Grant Tuer was talking about him as an expensive, well-bred purchase who finished third on debut at Ripon just behind a horse who went on to be rated 80. Tuer felt the horse had simply been too keen that day, going too fast too soon — the kind of raw enthusiasm that needs racing to sand down its edges. It took time, but Jesmond Dawn eventually got his head in front at Redcar in June 2024. Jockey Sam James, who admitted he hadn't even fancied the trip that day, was honest afterwards: the horse had disappointed a little as a two-year-old, so this was a moment of genuine relief as much as celebration.

The most recent win came at Newcastle in November 2025, and that result still stands as his last — now seven months ago. Since then, his last six runs read 2-7-10-8-7-2, which shows a horse who occasionally threatens but can't quite get over the line. He has raced most of his career at Class 5 level, winning just 1 of those 16 races, or roughly 1 in every 16 attempts at that tier. That is a modest return, though 15 places from 33 races overall tells you he is competitive more often than his win record suggests.

The conditions that unlock his best form are worth noting. On fast, dry ground he has won 2 from 7 races — that is nearly 1 in 3, a dramatically better record than he shows overall. Over shorter distances, 5 furlongs to six and a half, he has won 1 from 4, again outperforming his average. Put him on dry ground over a sharp trip and you are looking at a different horse. Oliver Stammers has ridden him in 19 of his 33 races, winning just once together, which reflects the horse's general stubbornness in front rather than any criticism of the partnership. Tuer's yard has been in fine form this season with 26 winners, and Jesmond Dawn raced just yesterday — still active, still trying to add to his tally.