Only By Night

The headline moment came on 9 February 2025 at Exeter, where she won a Class 1 race — one of the very best races British racing has to offer. That kind of victory confirms she belongs at the sharp end of the sport, not just making up the numbers. Her trainer Gavin Cromwell, based out of Navan in County Meath, has been in outstanding form this season with 97 winners from his yard, and Only By Night is one of his most reliable performers.

Wet or muddy ground is where she really comes alive. In races run on soft or heavy going, she has won 3 from 4 — a 75% win rate that is almost freakishly good. Most horses have preferences, but hers is unusually pronounced. When the rain comes, she becomes a different proposition entirely.

Jockey Keith Donoghue knows her well, having ridden her in 9 of her races and winning 4 of them — exactly that same 44% win rate that defines her whole career. That kind of familiarity between horse and rider matters, and Cromwell has clearly found a combination that works.

Looking ahead, Cromwell has spoken openly about targeting the Mares' Chase at Cheltenham, and a run at Cheltenham already suggested she stays the longer distances just fine — something he admitted had been the one open question. She finished second that day, beaten by what he described as a very good mare, and came away with his full approval. Her most recent win came at Naas in November 2025, and with Cheltenham firmly in the plan, the ambition around her is clear. This is a horse near the top of her game, with a trainer who knows exactly where she is headed.