Onlyforfrankie

The first win came at Roscommon in September 2025, but it is what has happened since that has people paying attention. Onlyforfrankie won at Taunton and then, in February 2026, went north to Musselburgh and landed the Scottish Supreme Novices' Hurdle — a top-level race, one of the most prestigious of its kind in Britain. He went off as the outsider, and yes, the second favourite fell during the race, but Ralph was not making excuses. He pointed out that his horse was travelling well turning down the back straight and won it comfortably in the end. Winning a race like that as the unfancied option, and winning it with something in hand, is a meaningful detail.

Ralph has been effusive about this horse at every turn, which is worth noting because trainers tend to be guarded by nature. After Taunton he told Racing TV that Onlyforfrankie was one of the most exciting novices in the yard, and that the horse had smart form on flat ground before switching to hurdles. After Musselburgh he said simply: "He's got a big future." The next target is the Dovecote Hurdle at Kempton, another high-quality race that will put him up against better company and give a clearer picture of just how good he might be.

The yard itself is in fine form — 25 winners already this season — so there is plenty of momentum behind the operation. Onlyforfrankie has won 2 of his last 6 races and has finished in the top three in 4 of those 6, which means he is consistently competitive at a level that is starting to rise. A horse that arrives at the top races as an outsider and leaves as a winner has a habit of not being the outsider for long.