BLAKEY BOY

A racehorse being cooled down with water by a woman in a red jacket and pink beanie, standing next to a jockey. A person is pouring water from a bucket onto the horse. Other people and horses are in the background, near a racetrack.

🐎 Horse Profile: Blakey Boy (IRE)

Foaled: 27 May 2020
Sex: Gelding
Colour: Brown
Sire: Ocovango
Dam: Rathleek
Breeder: (Not publicly listed)

Owner: On The Buses
Trainer: Ewan Whillans

🏇 Racing Overview

Blakey Boy is a staying National Hunt performer who competes mainly in hurdle and novice handicap chase races. As a five-year-old, he has proven his aptitude for long distances (around 2 miles 4 furlongs and beyond), showing tenacity and staying ability in testing ground conditions.

His highlight to date came with a win in a Class 5 handicap hurdle at Hexham, where he stayed on strongly to take the lead late in the race. Since then he has run well in stronger company, including finishing second in a chase at Newcastle, indicating adaptability over fences as well as obstacles.

🧬 Pedigree Notes

Blakey Boy is by Ocovango, a sire who imparts stamina and jumping potential, traits essential for National Hunt horses tackling extended trips. His dam, Rathleek, carries further staying influence through Kayf Tara, a high-class staying stallion, reinforcing Blakey Boy’s profile as a horse suited to staying hurdles and staying chases.

🏠 In Training

Under the guidance of Ewan Whillans, Blakey Boy has been campaigned with a focus on races that test his stamina and jumping ability. Whillans has targeted contests where his strong finishing attitude and staying power can be rewarded, particularly at courses like Hexham and Newcastle where he has produced his best form.

Connections are likely to continue exploring similar staying handicap hurdles and chases throughout the season, with the aim of capitalising on his durability and improving experience over fences.

🔎 Key Attributes

  • Preferred trip: ~2m 4f to 3m+

  • Ground preference: Effective on soft and good-to-soft underfoot

  • Racing style: Strong finisher, tends to settle mid-division before staying on

  • Profile: Stayer with proven hurdle success and promising chase adaptation