Messerschmitt

The two wins it does have are worth noting for their spread. The first came at Thurles in October 2023, and the second arrived a full year later at Galway in October 2024 — suggesting Messerschmitt saves its best for the autumn, when many rivals are winding down. Galway is one of Ireland's most competitive and beloved tracks, so winning there is never nothing. The trouble is that was 18 months ago, and the six races since have brought a second place and then a string of mid-field finishes: positions of 2, 8, 11, 4, 9, and 3, working backwards. That most recent third place, recorded just yesterday, at least hints at some life returning — but it's a long way from the winner's enclosure.

The partnership with Colin Keane is one of the more puzzling threads in this story. Keane is one of Ireland's very best jockeys, yet in five rides together, Messerschmitt has not won once. That's 0 from 5 — and while that's not damning on its own, it does suggest the horse hasn't found an extra gear even when given every opportunity by a top-class pilot. Whether that's a tactics question or simply the horse's ceiling is hard to say.

Trainer Noel Meade, operating out of Castletown in County Meath, is having a productive season with 37 winners on the board, so the yard is clearly in good form. The question is whether Messerschmitt can tap into that momentum. Right now it looks like a horse that is dependable, competitive, and genuinely hard to fault for effort — but one that may need everything to fall perfectly to find the winner's circle again.