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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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