The horse is trained by Nicky Richards at Greystoke in Cumbria, a yard that has sent out 39 winners already this season — so this is not a small operation padding its numbers. Richards knows how to place a horse, and Smokeringinthedark's record reflects that. Danny McMenamin has been the regular rider, winning 2 of their 7 races together — that is 29%, or nearly 1 in every 3 rides, which is an excellent return and suggests a genuine partnership has developed between horse and jockey.
The ground matters here. On slightly soft ground, Smokeringinthedark has won 2 of its 6 races — a 33% win rate, or 1 in 3 — and both of its career wins have come in those conditions. When the going dries out or firms up, it simply has not found the same results. Its first win came at Musselburgh in December 2024, and its most recent victory was at Newcastle on 31 March 2026, seven weeks ago. Two different tracks, same type of ground — the pattern is clear.
What is interesting is the gap between its results at Class 3 level — which represents decent, competitive racing — and the wins it has managed elsewhere. In 4 races at Class 3, it has yet to win, suggesting the horse performs best when dropping slightly in grade. That is not a criticism; it means Richards has found the sweet spots, and the horse has delivered when conditions align. With a race just one day ago, Smokeringinthedark is clearly in full work and very much an active presence on the northern circuit right now.
| Course | Races | Results | Last visited | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Musselburgh Sharp |
3 | 1 win, 1 second, 1 other | 1 Jan | 33.3% |
| Newcastle Galloping |
1 | 1 win | 31 Mar | 100% |
| Aintree Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 15 May | 0% |
| Hexham Undulating |
1 | 1 second | 3 May | 0% |
| Wetherby Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 15 Nov | 0% |
| Doncaster Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 5 Feb | 0% |
| Haydock Park Galloping |
1 | 1 second | 15 Apr | 0% |
| Carlisle Undulating |
1 | 1 third | 9 Mar | 0% |