Magna Sam

He is a 12-year-old with 18 races under his belt, four wins and six placed finishes in total — meaning he has won roughly 1 in every 4 or 5 races across his career. His first win came at Musselburgh in December 2021, and he has since gone back and won there in February 2023 and again in February 2025, both in Class 2 races, which are among the better races run in Britain. A horse who keeps returning to the same track and keeps winning at that level isn't getting lucky — he simply suits the place.

Trainer Alastair Ralph, based in Bridgnorth in Shropshire, has been candid about the fact that last season wasn't straightforward. Something wasn't quite right with the horse, and after a break the team had a small wind operation to help him breathe more easily during races. The difference has been visible — his most recent win, at Musselburgh in February 2025, came after that procedure and Ralph described it as a real confidence boost for the horse. The yard itself has had a productive season, sending out 25 winners, so Magna Sam is part of a stable operating with real momentum.

His next target is likely the Eider, a prestigious long-distance race, though Ralph has been honest that Magna Sam needs the conditions to play his way. He thrives on slightly soft, wet ground — winning 4 of his 11 races in those conditions, a win rate of 36% — and if the weather doesn't cooperate, the run may not happen. The Edinburgh National, a race he has won twice, was unfortunately missed this season. At 12, every season feels like borrowed time, but Magna Sam keeps turning up at Musselburgh and making things difficult to argue with.