Perceval Legallois

He's trained by Gavin Cromwell at Navan in Co. Meath, and this season Cromwell's yard has sent out 97 winners — a serious operation at full tilt. The horse's regular partner is Mark Walsh, and that combination has been quietly devastating: together they've won 5 of their 17 races, which works out at just under 1 in 3. That's a strong ratio at any level of the sport, and it suggests Walsh knows exactly how to get the best out of him.

What that looks like in practice came through clearly after their most recent Leopardstown win in February 2025. Walsh admitted the race didn't go to plan — he found himself further back than he wanted down the back straight, with the field kicking on ahead of him. But he weaved through, the horse pinged the last hurdle, and they won. Cromwell, who'd expected his horse to be better over fences than over hurdles, was pleasantly surprised — "he was very nimble," he said. Walsh was more emotional: "I got a great kick out of that because the horse deserved it. He's been unlucky on his last few runs." That kind of comment from a senior jockey means something.

Soft, wet ground also brings out the best in him — 2 wins from 6 races on those conditions, or 1 in 3. Cromwell has spoken about entries in both the Coral Gold Cup and the Grand National, which signals a horse being aimed at the biggest prizes jumping has to offer. He raced just yesterday and remains an active contender. With Leopardstown form that reads 3 from 5 and a yard in excellent health, he's the kind of horse that quietly accumulates big-day wins while most people aren't paying close enough attention.