Wellington Arch

Aintree is where Wellington Arch has made his name. He has won 2 of his 3 races there, and his most recent — a Class 1 victory, one of the top races in Britain — came just this week on 10 April 2026. That sort of course record is not a coincidence; some horses simply suit a track, and Wellington Arch visibly thrives under Aintree's unique demands. Jockey Jonjo O'Neill Jr, who partners him more often than anyone else, described the latest win as tense right to the line — "I thought we were going to be caught until thank God somebody moved the post for us" — which tells you everything about the margins at this level.

The partnership between Wellington Arch and Jonjo O'Neill Jr is worth noting on its own terms. In 11 races together, they have won 5 times — roughly 1 in every 2, a remarkable ratio. That kind of record between a jockey and a horse usually means they understand each other well, and the Aintree win bore that out: a patient ride, good jumps, and a plan that held together under pressure.

Behind the horse is the yard of Jonjo and AJ O'Neill, based in Cheltenham, who have sent out 51 winners already this season. AJ was quick after the Aintree win to note that Wellington Arch "seems to be improving a little bit with age" — a comment that should make rival trainers uneasy. A horse still improving at seven, having already won at the highest level over hurdles, is a horse with plenty left to give. The plan now is to switch him to chasing next season, where jumping fences rather than hurdles could unlock another level entirely. If the Aintree form is anything to go by, that conversation is well worth having.