John Neilan

The most telling detail in Neilan's record is his long-running partnership with Winter Carnival. Twenty-two races together and not a single win between them — that is a remarkable level of persistence from both horse and trainer, and speaks to a yard that keeps showing up regardless of results. Similarly, jockey Alan King has been the most regular rider for the operation, taking 12 rides for Neilan without finding the winner's enclosure once.

None of this makes Neilan unusual in the grand scheme of racing. Small yards, particularly in their early years, often spend a long time building toward that breakthrough. But four seasons in, still searching for win number one, the first victory — whenever it arrives — will mean a great deal.