Shannon Royale

What makes him particularly interesting is that he comes alive in the worst of conditions. On very wet, muddy ground he has won 2 of his 5 races — a 40% win rate — compared to 4 wins from 23 overall. In other words, when the rain has been hammering down and the ground is heavy and churned up, Shannon Royale is a completely different proposition. His trainer has spoken of him having "a big engine," and that engine clearly loves mud. His most recent win came at Punchestown on New Year's Eve 2024, which is now 16 months ago, though he has been placing consistently in the meantime — finishing fifth in three of his last six races — so he is still competing at a decent level.

The partnership with jockey Jack Kennedy is worth noting too. Together they have won 2 of their 5 races — that's a 40% win rate, which is exceptional. Kennedy has described him plainly after races: a horse with genuine ability who has a habit of going idle once he hits the front, doing just enough and no more. That's not laziness exactly — it's the kind of quirky self-management that makes a horse maddening and endearing in equal measure.

Donoghue's yard has been in strong form this season, sending out 24 winners, and there is a sense that the team believe Shannon Royale still has more to give. He is still racing — he ran just yesterday — and the combination of a Punchestown speciality and a love of wet ground means the conditions that suit him best will come round again. When they do, he is the sort of horse worth remembering.