Paddy The Squire

Jardine had Paddy The Squire gelded at the end of last season, and the effect has been dramatic. The trainer describes it as "a massive bonus" — the horse had always been talented but unfocused, saving nothing for the track. The gelding procedure changed that. He came back this season a different animal, winning first time out at Chester before stepping up in trip and winning the Lanark Silver Bell with his ears pricked, barely out of second gear. That is the detail that stands out: winning with his ears pricked means a horse is comfortable, barely extended. It suggests there is more to come.

The numbers back up the transformation. On fast, dry ground, Paddy The Squire has won 2 of just 4 races — a 50% win rate that is exceptional at any level. Over longer distances of a mile and six furlongs to two miles, the same picture: 2 wins from 4 races. The yard had to find the right conditions and the right trip, and once they did, the results followed quickly. At Class 2 level — one of the top tiers in British racing — he has won 1 from 7 attempts, which sounds modest but represents a horse competing consistently at a high standard and finding his feet there.

Jockey Andrew Mullen has been the constant through all of this, partnering the horse in 17 of his 18 races and winning on 4 of them — roughly 1 in every 4 rides together. That kind of long-standing partnership matters: a jockey who knows a lazy, holds-something-back horse is an asset.

With 57 winners already sent out by the Jardine yard this season, this is a stable in excellent form, and Paddy The Squire looks like one of its more exciting prospects heading into the summer. One more run is planned. If fast ground comes, keep an eye on him.