Ladronne

Catterick Bridge is where Ladronne has made his most emphatic statement. He has won 2 of his 3 races there — a remarkable conversion rate that suggests the course suits him almost perfectly. His most recent win came at Catterick in January 2026, just three months ago, and his last six runs read 2-5-–-1-4-2, meaning he has been consistently in the thick of things. Jockey Oscar Palmer described the Catterick victory in telling detail: Ladronne settled beautifully early on, jumped with real confidence, and hit the line strongly. "He was a joy to ride," Palmer said — high praise that points to a horse who knows his job inside out. The one caveat his team passed on beforehand? Don't get too excited too soon. Patience is the key with this one.

Wet ground suits him well too. On soft or muddy conditions, he has won 3 times from 10 races — a 30% win rate that stands well above his overall average. When the winter rain comes and the ground gets heavy, Ladronne becomes a more dangerous proposition than his age might suggest.

He is trained by the partnership of Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith at their High Eldwick yard in West Yorkshire, a yard that has already sent out 42 winners this season — a team in fine form. Ladronne came to them alongside trainer Tjade Collier, and the change has clearly agreed with him. "He's been rejuvenated," his trainer noted, adding that seeing older horses still enjoying themselves is one of racing's genuine pleasures. His most regular jockey, Sean Quinlan, has won 4 of their 13 races together — winning 1 in every 3 — a partnership that clearly works. Still racing, still winning, still placing at 12 years old: Ladronne is a horse who refuses to read the script telling him to slow down.