Joe Leavy

His most important working relationship is with trainer Richard Hannon, one of the busiest and most respected yards in Britain. Leavy has ridden 158 races for Hannon and turned 17 of them into wins — again, roughly 1 in every 9. It might not sound spectacular on paper, but when a trainer of Hannon's stature keeps putting you on horses week after week, it means they trust you. That kind of regular booking is how careers are built.

Where things get genuinely interesting is when the heavens open. On wet or muddy ground, Leavy wins 4 from every 22 races — around 1 in 5 — which is a markedly better return than his overall figures. That is not a coincidence. Riding on soft or heavy ground requires real physical strength and tactical patience, because horses tire quickly and position early in the race matters enormously. The fact that his numbers jump so clearly in those conditions points to a jockey who is comfortable when things get tough and unpredictable.

Then there is Ffos Las, the Welsh track tucked away near Llanelli that many casual fans have never heard of. Leavy has turned it into something of a personal fiefdom, riding 5 winners from just 20 races there — a win rate of 1 in 4. For context, most jockeys would be delighted with 1 in 6 at any track over a sustained period. Whether it is the track's tight configuration, the type of horses that run there, or simply the fact that he has found his rhythm at the place, Leavy clearly thrives when the lorry pulls into Ffos Las.

Still only four years into his career and already past 145 winners, the trajectory is pointing in the right direction. The big days will come. The groundwork is already done.