Popmaster

That overall record — a win rate of just 6%, or roughly 1 in every 16 races — looks underwhelming until you understand the company he keeps. Popmaster has spent the vast majority of his career competing in Class 2 races, which are among the most competitive events in Britain. He has run 31 times at that level without winning. But here is the thing: nearly always finishing in the mix in elite fields is not a failure, it is a speciality. Fifteen places from 47 races tells you this horse shows up and competes, week after week, against horses who cost a great deal more than he probably did.

The highlight of his career came on 22 September 2023, when he won a Class 1 race at Newbury — one of the biggest prizes in the sport. That single result reframes everything. Plenty of horses race their whole lives without ever touching that level. His trainer Ed Walker clearly believes there is more to come, and has spoken openly about targeting the big autumn races, particularly when the ground gets wet. That is the other clue to Popmaster: on wet or muddy ground, he transforms. Two wins from just 5 races in those conditions — a 40% win rate — is a remarkable number for any horse, let alone one who appears so ordinary when the sun is shining. Walker has said he expects a huge run when conditions suit him at Doncaster in the autumn, and you believe him.

His most recent win came at Kempton Park in February 2026, just three months ago, and he raced again only yesterday — so this is a horse firmly in the middle of his campaign. Tom Marquand rides him most regularly, winning 1 from their 10 races together, and the owner Laurence Bellman has spoken affectionately about what a "great servant" Popmaster is, even when the photo finishes haven't gone their way. Ed Walker's yard has sent out 80 winners this season alone, so Popmaster is in capable hands. The recent form — a win and a second in his last five completed runs — suggests he is in good heart. When the rain comes, watch carefully.