Le Malin

What's striking is how long ago that Christmas success was. Twenty months have passed since Le Malin last tasted the winner's enclosure, and while he has continued to race steadily — picking up three third-place finishes in his last six runs — he hasn't won again. His most recent outing just a day ago saw him finish fourth, suggesting he is still active and still trying, even if the wins have dried up. With jockey N McParlan, Le Malin has a slightly better record: one win from seven races together, a 14% win rate, which hints that this partnership might suit him better than others have.

Trainer S McParlan at Newry has not had an easy time of it this season — one winner from the yard is a modest return — but Le Malin represents the kind of steady, honest performer that keeps a small operation ticking over. At his age and with his record, Le Malin is not destined for glory, but he remains a genuine racer who gives his the yard a place to run and the occasional reminder of what is possible. That Down Royal victory on Boxing Day may well be his defining moment, but he is still here, still competing, and that counts for something in this game.