Jockey Zak Wheatley has stuck with this horse loyally, partnering it seven times without a win to show for it. That kind of continued partnership usually signals that the team believes something better is just around the corner — but so far, the results have not rewarded that faith. With no wins from seven attempts together, it is one of those combinations where you keep hoping the next run might be the one.
Trainer Declan Carroll operates out of Malton in North Yorkshire, a town with a long and serious racing tradition, and his yard has been in decent shape this season with 22 winners sent out. That makes Very Muddy Waters something of an outlier in the stable — Carroll clearly knows how to get horses winning, which perhaps keeps the flame of optimism alive. The horse competes at Class 5, the entry-level tier of British racing, and has still not managed to break through there in five attempts at that level. If a horse cannot win at Class 5, it raises genuine questions about where a win might come from — though plenty of horses take time to find their feet, and some do eventually put it all together.
The name, at least, has a sense of humour about things. Very Muddy Waters keeps racing, keeps finishing, and keeps its supporters guessing. The first win, when it comes, will be warmly celebrated.
| Course | Races | Results | Last visited | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pontefract Undulating |
2 | 2 other | 7 Apr | 0% |
| Thirsk Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 22 Apr | 0% |
| Nottingham Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 15 Oct | 0% |
| Carlisle Undulating |
1 | 1 third | 1 Sep | 0% |
| Newcastle Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 1 Nov | 0% |
| Doncaster Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 24 Jul | 0% |
| Redcar Galloping |
1 | 1 second | 5 Oct | 0% |
| Southwell Galloping |
1 | 1 other | 17 Jun | 0% |