Robin McNeilly

The most notable thread in his career so far is his partnership with Cap Bernat, a horse he has run nine times without a win. Nine races together is a significant investment of time and belief — that is a lot of early mornings, travel, and entry fees for a combination that has yet to reach the winner's enclosure. Whether that persistence reflects a trainer who sees something in the horse that the results haven't yet confirmed, or simply the loyalty that comes with a small string where every runner matters, is difficult to say. What it does tell you is that McNeilly is not easily discouraged.

With three runners in the last year and no winners to show, the numbers are as straightforward as they get — zero from three, a win rate that hasn't yet got off the ground. But most trainers will tell you the early years are less about winners and more about learning how to place horses, build owners' trust, and keep a yard running. By that measure, McNeilly is still very much in the foothills of what could yet be a long career.