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Shadow Brigade
23rd July
Shadow Brigade got off the mark in fine style under Liam Wright. We had a game plan to ride him patiently from the rear, and it was executed to perfection by Liam, who continues to ride with great confidence.
This horse has been slightly disappointing up to now, but he appears to have found his groove now that we’ve stepped him up in trip. Hopefully, he can continue on an upward trajectory before heading out to Bahrain later in the year.
Glamorize
21st July
Glamourize won for the second time, returning to Nottingham to score again, this time under David Egan. She really is the most likeable filly, with a fantastic attitude and a lovely turn of foot. She has certainly earned herself a step up in grade, and I see no reason why she can’t continue to progress as she strengthens and matures. I’m a huge fan of hers, and many congratulations to Amo Racing.
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Al Aali
17th July
Al Aali finally got his head in front, and I have to say it was incredibly satisfying, as he’s a horse that’s taken quite some time to work out. We felt Billy would be a good fit for him, and that proved to be the case, although I must also give credit to Darragh Keenan, who did a lovely job bringing him along. The trip and ground looked ideal, and I was very happy with the way he’d been training at home. To be honest, on the morning it just felt like his day, and he made no mistake. He’s a horse with plenty of ability who had fallen to a very workable mark. He could now head to Glorious Goodwood, where I’d expect him to be very competitive.
Many congratulations to Victorious Forever, who have shown great patience with him.
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Rizal
17th July
Rizal made no mistake at Hamilton, recording the second victory of his career, this time under Danny Tudhope. He relaxed beautifully behind the leader despite coming under pressure and always looked comfortable before quickening clear to win with plenty in hand. He’s a beautiful, big horse with a bright future ahead of him, and I’ve no doubt he’ll be capable of taking his chance in some valuable handicaps further down the line.
Many congratulations to Victorious Forever.
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Anchiano
15th July
Anchiano took a big step forward for his debut. He jumped cleanly and made full use of the strong tailwind at Yarmouth, benefiting from a perfectly judged ride by Darragh Keenan.
He's a horse that's been a little difficult to get a handle on since the breeze-ups, but over the last couple of weeks I've seen him really thrive physically, and that progress was reflected in his performance. He certainly looks to have a bright future.
For the time being, I imagine we'll keep our sights relatively low. I'd love to see him go and win a novice under a penalty before looking towards something a little more exciting later in the year.
He's another winner for Gary White.
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Emerald Bay
14th July 2026
Emerald Bay put his experience to good use, this time under Darragh Keenan, winning for the second time in nursery company. He was deliberately ridden with patience after a slightly slow start, settling off a strong early pace before travelling through the race like a horse with plenty in hand. He looked sure to earn another rise in the weights and continues to progress in the right direction. Many congratulations to John Mitchell and Ballylinch Stud, who bred him. He’s another exciting winner for their young sire, Bayside Boy.
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Rizal
26th June 2026
Rizal looked a horse very much on the upgrade, making his seasonal debut on the grass for us. He travelled like a horse with plenty in hand under Darragh Keenan before putting the race to bed in impressive fashion.
He was purchased at the end of last year by Billy on the advice of Andy, who sourced him from Ireland, and he already looks a very shrewd purchase. There should be plenty more to come from him.
Many congratulations to Victorious Forever.
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Zubaru
26th June 2026
Zubaru registered his third win of the season, once again under Darragh Keenan. He returned to Doncaster in style and looked a horse very much on the upgrade.
I was keen to drop him back to six furlongs because he has always travelled so sweetly through the early stages of his races. Ironically, he now seems to be getting quicker.
He was expertly prepared over the winter by the Colberts at their stud and has come back a different horse. His numbers at home have been very good, and I see no reason why he can’t continue on this upward trajectory.
Forty Years On
11th June 2026
Forty Years On made a scintillating seasonal return under Hector Crouch at Newbury. She jumped and travelled beautifully throughout and clearly appreciated the ease in the ground. She’s a filly who has always worked very well at home, and I’m grateful to her owners, Michael Blencowe and Anthony Ramsden, for the patience they’ve shown with her.
At this stage, she looks a seven-furlong specialist, although on very soft ground she could easily come back to six furlongs. She has a very bright future ahead of her, and we’ll continue to take our time with her in the hope of securing some valuable black type. I would imagine she’ll stay in training next season.
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Bay City Roller
6th June 2026
Bay City Roller confirmed himself a top-class colt with an emphatic victory in the Coronation Cup.
Without doubt, it was the greatest moment of my career. He is a horse who is clearly still improving, and whilst he handled the conditions well, it will be fascinating to see what he can achieve when returning to better ground.
There is no horse in the yard quite like him, both physically and mentally. He possesses a unique combination of talent, toughness and temperament that makes him very special.
Many congratulations to Victorious Forever and a huge thank you to all of the team at Eve Lodge, whose hard work and dedication have played such an important part in this success.
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Lady of Clover
2nd June 2026
Lady Of Clover gave us all a huge amount of satisfaction when getting off the mark at Wolverhampton under an excellent ride from Liam Wright.
She jumped smartly, travelled particularly well throughout, and never really looked like getting beaten. She is a very tough and honest filly with an exceptional mindset, which makes her a pleasure to train.
I am hopeful that this victory can act as a springboard for further improvement, and there looks to be a good opportunity for her at Yarmouth this week. Hopefully she can continue her progression and keep moving in the right direction.
I was also delighted to train my first winner for Fellowship Racing and the Morton family, and I very much hope there are plenty more successes to come together.
Mrair
1st June 2026
Mrair confirmed the promise of his debut when making no mistakes under Ryan Moore at Lingfield last Monday.
He jumped smartly, travelled like an odds-on favourite should, and put the race to bed in the style of an exciting young colt. It was a very professional performance and one that backed up the regard in which we hold him at home.
He will now head to Royal Ascot for the Coventry Stakes. He will need to improve again to feature in a race of that calibre, but that is certainly possible as he continues to mature both physically and mentally with every passing week.
He looks another very bright prospect for Victorious Forever, and we are excited to see what the future holds for him.
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Reliable Ricki
23rd May 2026
Reliable Ricki won in remarkable fashion under another great ride form Darragh Keenan. He showed a fantastic attitude to get the job done from what looked an unlikely position. He is an improving horse with a bright future. The Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot is now very much on the radar. Huge congratulations to Gary White and all connections.
Sea Venture
22nd May 2026
Sea Venture made a highly encouraging start to her career with an impressive debut victory at Haydock under Daniel Tudhope. Despite her inexperience, she showed a terrific attitude throughout before quickening up smartly to get the job done. The Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot will be her next target. Many congratulations to her owners Bermuda Racing.
Caballo de Mar
21st May 2026
Caballo De Mar produced a tremendous performance to land the Group 1 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier. He settled into a perfect rhythm under Oisin Murphy, and travelled strongly before producing a relentless finish in the closing stages, seeing off the high-class opposition. All roads now lead to the Ascot Gold Cup. Many congratulations to his owners Victorious Forever.
Behike
18th May 2026
Behike won impressively at Lingfield showing his potential as an exciting young sprinter. He travelled strongly throughout the race under Davis Eagan before quickening up in decisive fashion. He continues to thrive with racing and is developing into a very nice horse. Behike came out of the race in excellent order. He will now be aimed towards The King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot. Many congratulations to owners Amo Racing and Al Shaqab.
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O'Gorman
15th May 2026
O'Gorman recorded his second consecutive victory with another impressive performance. He travelled strongly throughout the race and never looked like getting beaten, under a great ride by Oisin Murphy.
Many congratulations to all of his connections on another well-deserved success.
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Zubaru
9th May 2026
Zubaru followed up his Doncaster victory with another impressive performance at Leicester on Saturday evening under Darragh Keenan.
Given a clever ride from a difficult draw, he travelled strongly throughout and never really looked like getting beaten. He is a horse who has benefitted enormously from a break and some time back with his owners at Colbert Stud.
He had shown plenty of promise earlier in his career, and I’m confident he is now finding his way back to that level of form. Naturally, the handicapper will have his say, but I still believe there is more to come from him, particularly back on a flat track.
Many congratulations to his owners, Emma and Olly Colbert.
EFSixteen
3rd May 2026
EFSixteen showed her talent and professionalism when making a winning debut at Newmarket. She travelled strongly throughout the race and displayed a willing attitude when asked to quicken, putting the contest to bed in impressive fashion.
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Zubaru
2nd May 2026
Zubaru provided a hugely satisfying result, giving Emma and Oli Colbert their first winner as owners.
He travelled comfortably throughout, looking every bit a well-handicapped horse, and always gave the impression he had more in hand. There’s every chance he could follow up under a penalty.
He had been particularly well prepared over the winter, and it was great to see the Colberts reap the rewards with this success at Doncaster.
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Reliable Ricki
2nd May 2026
Reliable Ricki made a winning seasonal reappearance under Callum Rodriguez, having been training particularly well at home. Dropped in early, and was put slightly under pressure due to a slow pace but showed plenty of quality and aptitude to stamp himself as a progressive young horse.
He looks versatile with regards to ground conditions, handling both cut and faster ground. Many congratulations to his owner, Gary White, who enjoyed a particularly good result with both the first and third in the race.
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O'Gorman
30th April 2026
O’Gorman took a pleasing step forward from his debut, winning in the style of a strong two-year-old at Kempton.
The conditions were testing, but he was well positioned throughout under Darragh Keenan, travelling smoothly and showing a professional attitude to get the job done.
He is a horse we have always held in high regard, and I would expect him to be kept busy as the season progresses.
It was particularly rewarding to saddle a winner for such a fun group of owners, many of whom have had horses with us for years.
Alvin
27th April 2026
Alvin put in a dominant performance at Bath under Darragh Keenan, breaking sharply from the gates and quickly taking control. He had the race effectively won within the first couple of furlongs.
He has always looked a very talented horse, and it’s particularly pleasing to see him now putting everything together on the track.
We will aim him at The Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes Handicap at Royal Ascot. However, he will need to run again beforehand to pick up a few more pounds in the ratings to ensure qualification.
Congratulations to Anthony Ramsden and Michael Blencowe
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Prydwen
25th April 2026
It was very special to see our old friend Prydwen back in the winner’s enclosure at Ripon under Darragh Keenan. Dropping back to a mile and a half seemed to suit him well, and he showed a real zest for the game to win with something in hand. This was his 11th career victory, and he continues to be a tremendous servant to the yard. Credit goes to everyone involved with him, particularly Kathleen, and of course his owners Keith Breen and Blue Star Racing.
Behike
20th April 2026
Behike took a big step forward from his debut last summer, scoring in the manner of a highly exciting prospect for Amo Racing and Al Shaqab. He broke sharply from the stalls, travelled smoothly throughout under David Egan, and always looked in control. Once asked, he quickened well and powered through the line.
A horse with plenty of natural ability, he’s one to handle with patience, but looks capable of developing into a smart three-year-old as the season unfolds.
Phantom Flight
3rd April 2026
Phantom Flight delivered a superb performance to secure our second King’s Cup victory in three years, winning in spectacular fashion under Benoit De La Sayette.
A mile and a half had posed a slight question beforehand, but he seemed to relish it as he travelled smoothly throughout the race, and never looking in danger of defeat. It was particularly special as we had to wait a few weeks. All credit must go to the team in Bahrain, who have done an outstanding job with him over the winter.
Phantom seems to be thriving and will likely head to the Chester May meeting where I'm keen to step him up in trip again. He will then end up back at Royal Ascot before having a nice break in preparation for the Middle East next year.
Congratulations to Victorious Forever.
Pixie Diva
27th March 2026
Pixy Diva delivered a powerful performance to land a reasonably valuable handicap at Newcastle under PJ McDonald.
Dropped back to five furlongs, she travelled smoothly throughout and was strong on the line.
A filly with plenty of raw ability, she looks capable more for Clive and Laura Washbourn.
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Southern Warrior
21st March 2026
Shortly after, Southern Warrior made it a double on the day, grinding out his first victory. He’s a very tough, honest little horse who should be consistent at this level. Many congratulations to his owner, Hasan Aljmi.
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Alther Walden
21st March 2026
Alther Walden was the first leg of a double for the team at Newcastle. He’s a horse that’s caught my eye throughout the winter, so it was no surprise to see him win in that style.
For a young horse, he looks a lovely star in the making. He jumped well, travelled smoothly, bagging the stand side rail under Callum Shepherd, and always looked in total control of the race.
He’s a tall, angular horse who was well found by Billy Jackson-Stops in Baden-Baden, and could well be another exciting young star for Blue Starr Racing, to go along with Prydwen and Cabello.
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Crimson Rambler
4th March 2026
Crimson Rambler gained a much-deserved win after finishing second on his previous three starts. Drawn well at Southwell, he made full use of the stands-side rail to get his head in front.
Ridden by Darragh Keenan, he was a comfortable winner on the line. He runs again tonight in the same grade.
Congratulations and good luck to his owner-breeders Chris Wright, Emily Asprey and Willie Carson.
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Alvin
9th February 2026
Alvin really got his act together under Callum Shepherd at Wolverhampton, winning very much like a fast, progressive young horse. He made full use of the inside stall and travelled smoothly throughout, always looking in complete control.
Turning in, it felt more a case of when he would put the race to bed rather than if, and he duly quickened clear in the manner of a horse with plenty more to offer. Particularly pleasing was the way he galloped out strongly after the line, suggesting there is still more to come.
While it may not have been the strongest race on paper, his time was good and stacked up favourably against the rest of the card. He’s always shown a huge amount at home, so it’s very satisfying to see him translate that ability onto the racetrack.
A special thanks to his owners, Anthony Ramsden and Michael Blencowe, for their patience with him.
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No Retreat
29th January 2026
No Retreat made it back-to-back wins in Bahrain under Callum Shepherd, this represented a significant step forward on what we’d previously seen from him. He travelled beautifully throughout, moving smoothly before picking up in the manner of a very exciting horse to win going away from Byline, reversing the form.
This performance sets him up nicely for the $500,000 ITM Cup in Qatar on the 14th of February. I’m confident now that he’s ready to step up in grade. The tight track and fast ground in Qatar should really play to his strengths.
He’s a horse we’ve always loved and one who has plenty of scope. At times he’s just lacked a little consistency, but I’m very much hoping he can develop into another top performer for Victorious Forever.
Nepal
29th January 2026
Nepal put two frustrating efforts behind him in the Gulf to register his first win of the winter season. He was ridden very enterprisingly by Rosie Jessop, who slipped the field early, and he never really looked like getting caught thereafter.
I’m sure the change of tactics helped him grow in confidence, and he looked much more like his old self. He’s always been a horse with plenty of ability, it’s simply a case of playing to his tune.
Many congratulations to Gary White and Billy and Sarah Lamb, who have been incredibly patient with him over the last few weeks.
Objector
23rd January 2026
Objector made it two wins from two starts under Dara Keenan after absolutely bolting up at Wolverhampton last week. Although he still showed signs of greenness, he’s clearly a horse with plenty of ability, and he also has a wonderful temperament to go with it.
Drawn wide, he broke well and tracked the leader throughout, always travelling strongly and never looking like getting beaten, before powering clear to win by 11 lengths. He’s a horse who still has some physical maturing to do, and I mentioned in my post-race comments that he could certainly be for a handicap at Royal Ascot.
Congratulations to his owner Kevin Cook, who looks to have a smart horse on his hands.
Phantom Flight
16th January 2026
Phantom Flight completed back-to-back Al Adyiat Cup victories in Bahrain last week, delivering what was arguably his most impressive performance to date in the Kingdom. Ridden confidently by Callum Shepherd, he was positioned more prominently than usual from the outset, jumping cleanly and settling well off an even tempo.
Travelling strongly throughout, Phantom Flight always looked in control and, when asked, quickened away decisively from the field, finishing the race like a horse at the very top of his game. It was a dominant and authoritative display that underlined both his class and his current wellbeing.
The performance has been duly recognised by the handicapper, with Phil Smith returning him to a career-high rating of 113. On the back of this run, Phantom Flight has also potentially booked himself a place in next month’s $3 million Neom Turf in Saudi Arabia.
He has undoubtedly earned the right to take his chance at this level, particularly in a Group 1 contest in the Middle East, where his effectiveness on a slick, fast surface is well established. He goes particularly well fresh, is in an excellent headspace, and continues to be a wonderful servant to the yard.
A firm favourite of the team, Phantom Flight is clearly held in equally high regard by Sheikh Nasser and everyone at Victorious Forever, who have enjoyed a tremendous journey with him to date.
Blue Day
9th January 2026
Blue Day took a step forward from his debut in Bahrain, winning under Rosie Jessop. With a perfectly timed ride and strong track position, he capitalized on the conditions and showed he's a progressive horse.
Though he's relatively new to the team, Blue Day has settled in quickly and looks like the kind of horse who will continue to progress in Bahrain. He'll now step up in grade as he enters the turf series. Notably, he was the second leg of the Gulf double, something we've always aimed to achieve.
Force and Valour
9th January 2026
Force and Valour demonstrated his clear affinity for the dirt with an impressive run from last to first, ridden by Billy Loughnane. He managed to surpass his performance from the previous week, showing he's really thriving under these conditions.
Force and Valour is by Mehmas and has mostly raced on grass. However, he has the attributes for dirt racing as well. We plan to run him in another handicap before deciding on future steps. He was the first leg of a Gulf double for Victorious Racing.
No Retreat
2nd January 2026
No Retreat showed the benefit of his recent run as he returned to winning ways in Bahrain with a powerful performance in the local Group 2. Ridden by Callum Shepherd, he roared back to his best, delivering a display that underlined the considerable ability he has always shown. He’s a horse we’ve long held in high regard, and it was pleasing to see him finally put everything together on the track.
That performance looks an ideal springboard for the remainder of his campaign in the Middle East, and we’re hopeful it marks the start of a strong run through the season. He’s a versatile horse in terms of trip, equally effective over seven furlongs or a mile, which gives us plenty of options going forward. Looking further ahead, he’s also a horse we could see being a real force back in the UK. Lightly raced and still a little immature mentally, there’s plenty more to come from him. Congratulations to his owners, Victorious Forever, who have been very patient with him.
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