Koukeo

The partnership with jockey Jonjo O'Neill Jr is one of the most compelling threads in Koukeo's story. In nine races together, they have won three times — that is one in every three, a win rate that would make most trainers very happy indeed. Compare that to the horse's overall record and it is clear this is a combination that clicks. When the right jockey is aboard, Koukeo becomes a noticeably better horse.

The most recent win came at Haydock Park in January 2026, and the post-race comments from joint-trainer Jonjo O'Neill Sr painted a vivid picture of what happened. The field went hard from the front, and rather than wilting, Koukeo dug in and saw it out. When the ground opened up in the straight — faster and more forgiving underfoot — the jumping sharpened and the horse powered home. That combination of stamina and adaptability is exactly what you want to see developing in a young chaser.

It is also worth noting that back in late 2024, the team were already talking about Koukeo as a potential stayer — a horse built for longer distances and tougher tests. The Haydock win, where a strong pace suited rather than broke him, suggests those early instincts were correct. He has done his best work so far at Class 4 level, winning 2 of his 8 races there, but the yard that trains him — currently 51 winners for the season — clearly has ambitions for him to step up.

Recent form shows a couple of blanks either side of a third place, so the run back into form is a work in progress. But with a race just yesterday and an established partnership with a top jockey, Koukeo is very much a horse to watch as the season continues.