The recent form figures — 7, 9, 8, 3, 7, 6 — tell a fairly consistent story. That third-place finish stands out as the exception rather than the rule, with most runs producing mid-to-rear finishes. It is the kind of record that suggests the horse is competitive enough to keep racing but has yet to find the right combination of conditions, company, or a race that truly plays to its strengths. The good news is that Stoneywell raced just yesterday, so the team clearly believe there is more to come.
Jockey Dougie Costello has been in the saddle for five of those six races and is yet to ride the horse to a win, though it would be harsh to lay that at his door — this is a partnership still searching for its moment rather than one that has fallen apart. Costello is a vastly experienced rider and will know this horse well by now, which could matter when the right opportunity arrives.
Trainer Steph Hollinshead operates out of Upper Longdon in Staffordshire and has sent out six winners already this season, which shows the yard is in decent working order. Hollinshead is a trainer who has built a quiet, solid reputation, and the fact that Stoneywell keeps getting runs suggests there is genuine belief within the team that the horse can reward their patience. Six races in at four years old, with the season still live, there is time yet for the story to take a better turn.
| Course | Races | Results | Last visited | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwell Galloping |
2 | 2 other | 28 Apr | 0% |
| Newmarket Galloping |
2 | 2 other | 1 Nov | 0% |
| Leicester Sharp |
1 | 1 third | 14 Oct | 0% |
| Chepstow Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 21 May | 0% |
| Wolverhampton Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 23 Jun | 0% |