The standout moment so far came at Thirsk on 25 July 2025, where Mandarin Spirit notched that first career win. Thirsk is a tight, flat track in North Yorkshire that rewards horses who travel well and have a bit of speed in reserve — it's not a course where you can afford to be half-hearted. Winning there at three suggests a horse that is already switched on and competitive.
The recent form reads 6-8-1-2 going back through the last four races, which tells an interesting story. The win and a runner-up finish bookend a couple of disappointing efforts, which means Mandarin Spirit has shown it can compete and win, but hasn't been entirely consistent yet. At three years old, that's not unusual — young horses are still learning their trade, and the odd below-par run comes with the territory.
Kevin Ryan's yard is in excellent shape this season, having sent out 45 winners already, which puts Mandarin Spirit in capable hands. Ryan is a trainer who knows how to place a horse to its best advantage, and with a horse showing this kind of potential, you'd expect him to be patient and selective about where it runs next.
| Course | Races | Results | Last visited | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thirsk Galloping |
2 | 1 win, 1 second | 25 Jul | 50% |
| Newmarket Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 26 Sep | 0% |
| Beverley Undulating |
1 | 1 other | 4 May | 0% |