Angles · UK & Ireland
First-time headgear
Every runner on today’s GB and Irish cards wearing headgear for the first time in its archived career — first time ever, not first this season — each beside its trainer’s record with first-timers. Horses with headgear back on after a bare run are listed apart. Facts from the card and the archive; what you make of them is your call.
Monday 19 October · built 22:49 UK time · rebuilt about every 20 minutes through the day
Today in brief
19 horses wear headgear for the first time in their archived career on today's GB and Irish cards, in 13 races. 23 horses have headgear back on after running without it last time. Of the 19 first-time-headgear runners that have run, 2 have won.
Stands out today
5 of today’s first-timers come from yards whose first-timers have beaten their prices over 100 or more runs since 2008: Burning Embers (Dan Skelton, Fair A/E 1.11, n 502), Palace Legacy (James Tate, Fair A/E 1.11, n 203), Ceinture d'Orion (David O'Meara, Fair A/E 1.22, n 442), Sterling Fortune (James Tate, Fair A/E 1.11, n 203) and 1 more.
4 of today’s first-timers come from yards whose first-timers have run short of their prices over 100 or more runs since 2008: Chief Minister (Eve Johnson Houghton, Fair A/E 0.77, n 331), Our Cody (Richard Hughes, Fair A/E 0.80, n 258), Better Nature (Jonathan Portman, Fair A/E 0.73, n 180) and Arizonaneargalway (Denis Gerard Hogan, Fair A/E 0.58, n 301).
Built by fixed rules from today’s rows, not by anyone’s opinion; a rule that is not met prints nothing. Names jump to the row. Fair A/E 1.00 means a yard’s runners won exactly as often as their prices said; read it with the favourite–longshot bias in mind — outsiders as a group win less often than their prices say and favourites more.
*First time in our archive — GB, Irish and French racing since 2005. A horse could have worn headgear in a race we don’t hold, usually abroad.
First-time headgear — already run (19)
11StarakovaFirst-time headgear*9th
Cheekpieces for the first time in 12 archived runs · last ran 25 days ago (Southwell (AW), 11th)
Trainer Warren Greatrex with first-time headgear: 27 wins from 228 with first-time headgear (11.8%) · Fair A/E 0.91 (n 227) · since 2008
7Ceinture d'OrionFirst-time headgear*6th
Cheekpieces for the first time in 7 archived runs · last ran 32 days ago (Southwell (AW), 4th)
Trainer David O'Meara with first-time headgear: 61 wins from 444 with first-time headgear (13.7%) · Fair A/E 1.22 (n 442) · since 2008
1Sterling FortuneFirst-time headgear*Won
Cheekpieces for the first time in 7 archived runs · last ran 33 days ago (Sandown, 11th)
Trainer James Tate with first-time headgear: 28 wins from 204 with first-time headgear (13.7%) · Fair A/E 1.11 (n 203) · since 2008
14Donegal RoseFirst-time headgear*9th
Cheekpieces for the first time in 5 archived runs · last ran 40 days ago (Carlisle, 5th)
Trainer Hugo Palmer with first-time headgear: 51 wins from 446 with first-time headgear (11.4%) · Fair A/E 1.07 (n 444) · since 2008
7Harrow On The HillFirst-time headgear*5th
Hood for the first time in 1 archived run · last ran 24 days ago (Haydock, 5th)
Trainer George Scott with first-time headgear: 19 wins from 194 with first-time headgear (9.8%) · Fair A/E 0.88 (n 194) · since 2008
3Burning EmbersFirst-time headgear*2nd
Cheekpieces for the first time in 5 archived runs · last ran 10 days ago (Chepstow, 6th)
Trainer Dan Skelton with first-time headgear: 95 wins from 505 with first-time headgear (18.8%) · Fair A/E 1.11 (n 502) · since 2008
4Our CodyFirst-time headgear*7th
Cheekpieces for the first time in 12 archived runs · last ran 37 days ago (Lingfield (AW), 10th)
Trainer Richard Hughes with first-time headgear: 23 wins from 259 with first-time headgear (8.9%) · Fair A/E 0.80 (n 258) · since 2008
3Navy LightFirst-time headgear*9th
Cheekpieces for the first time in 4 archived runs · last ran 30 days ago (Chester, 8th)
Trainer Richard & Peter Fahey with first-time headgear: 4 wins from 23 with first-time headgear (17.4%) · Fair A/E 1.65 (n 23) · since 2008 · small sample
10Better NatureFirst-time headgear*Won
Cheekpieces for the first time in 6 archived runs · last ran 31 days ago (Wolverhampton (AW), 5th)
Trainer Jonathan Portman with first-time headgear: 9 wins from 180 with first-time headgear (5%) · Fair A/E 0.73 (n 180) · since 2008
8LushillFirst-time headgear*3rd
Tongue strap for the first time in 7 archived runs · last ran 38 days ago (Salisbury, 6th)
Trainer J. S. Moore with first-time headgear: 26 wins from 313 with first-time headgear (8.3%) · Fair A/E 1.35 (n 312) · since 2008
4Stormy ImpactFirst-time headgear*6th
Cheekpieces for the first time in 21 archived runs · last ran 14 days ago (Pontefract, 4th)
Trainer Richard & Peter Fahey with first-time headgear: 4 wins from 23 with first-time headgear (17.4%) · Fair A/E 1.65 (n 23) · since 2008 · small sample
12ArizonaneargalwayFirst-time headgear*9th
Cheekpieces for the first time in 5 archived runs · last ran 45 days ago (Down Royal (IRE), 10th)
Trainer Denis Gerard Hogan with first-time headgear: 10 wins from 301 with first-time headgear (3.3%) · Fair A/E 0.58 (n 301) · since 2008
4Palace LegacyFirst-time headgear*8th
Cheekpieces for the first time in 4 archived runs · last ran 23 days ago (Ripon, 2nd)
Trainer James Tate with first-time headgear: 28 wins from 204 with first-time headgear (13.7%) · Fair A/E 1.11 (n 203) · since 2008
8Chief MinisterFirst-time headgear*9th
Cheekpieces for the first time in 4 archived runs · last ran 28 days ago (Ffos Las, 2nd)
Trainer Eve Johnson Houghton with first-time headgear: 21 wins from 332 with first-time headgear (6.3%) · Fair A/E 0.77 (n 331) · since 2008
9Pulse of FireFirst-time headgear*7th
Tongue strap for the first time in 3 archived runs · last ran 25 days ago (Southwell (AW), 5th)
Trainer Ed Walker with first-time headgear: 22 wins from 224 with first-time headgear (9.8%) · Fair A/E 0.85 (n 223) · since 2008
14Lar Na CoilleFirst-time headgear*7th
Blinkers for the first time in 4 archived runs · last ran 130 days ago (Leopardstown, 10th)
Trainer J S Bolger with first-time headgear: 52 wins from 542 with first-time headgear (9.6%) · Fair A/E 1.02 (n 542) · since 2008
12OrphaninaFirst-time headgear*12th
Tongue strap for the first time in 4 archived runs · last ran 28 days ago (Fairyhouse (IRE), 16th)
Trainer Conor David Maxwell with first-time headgear: 1 win from 9 with first-time headgear (11.1%) · Fair A/E 2.60 (n 9) · since 2008 · small sample
11Rathbran LadyFirst-time headgear*10th
Blinkers for the first time in 7 archived runs · last ran 12 days ago (Navan (IRE), 9th)
Trainer Michael Mulvany with first-time headgear: 7 wins from 81 with first-time headgear (8.6%) · Fair A/E 1.90 (n 81) · since 2008
4Winnie's WishFirst-time headgear*5th
Blinkers for the first time in 4 archived runs · last ran 81 days ago (Galway (IRE), 6th)
Trainer Gavin Cromwell with first-time headgear: 35 wins from 352 with first-time headgear (9.9%) · Fair A/E 1.03 (n 352) · since 2008
Headgear back on
Worn before, but not last time out — a re-fit, not a first time. Listed apart on purpose.
Already run (23)
5OpticalityHeadgear back on7th
Visor back on — worn before, not last time out · last ran 488 days ago (Worcester, 6th)
Trainer Tim Vaughan with headgear back on: 28 wins from 230 with headgear back on (12.2%) · Fair A/E 1.00 (n 230) · since 2008
3LethimflyHeadgear back onWon
Tongue strap back on — worn before, not last time out · last ran 44 days ago (Navan (IRE), 7th)
Trainer Gerard Keane with headgear back on: 10 wins from 80 with headgear back on (12.5%) · Fair A/E 1.69 (n 79) · since 2008
10Caitlin GHeadgear back on7th
Hood back on — worn before, not last time out · last ran 5 days ago (Nottingham, 8th)
Trainer Micky Fenton with headgear back on: 2 wins from 7 with headgear back on (28.6%) · Fair A/E 3.01 (n 7) · since 2008 · small sample
9DaretobedifferentHeadgear back on14th
Blinkers back on — worn before, not last time out · last ran 11 days ago (Bath, 9th)
Trainer Des Donovan with headgear back on: 6 wins from 69 with headgear back on (8.7%) · Fair A/E 1.36 (n 68) · since 2008
4Mayflower BillyHeadgear back on12th
Visor back on — worn before, not last time out · last ran 26 days ago (Redcar, 11th)
Trainer Jessica Macey with headgear back on: 1 win from 41 with headgear back on (2.4%) · Fair A/E 0.31 (n 41) · since 2008
1MoonjidHeadgear back on3rd
Cheekpieces back on — worn before, not last time out · last ran 14 days ago (Wolverhampton (AW), 3rd)
Trainer Michael Appleby with headgear back on: 55 wins from 561 with headgear back on (9.8%) · Fair A/E 0.99 (n 560) · since 2008
2Sea The LightHeadgear back onWon
Cheekpieces back on — worn before, not last time out · last ran 105 days ago (Wolverhampton (AW), 7th)
Trainer John Butler with headgear back on: 23 wins from 182 with headgear back on (12.6%) · Fair A/E 1.32 (n 181) · since 2008
8KimyHeadgear back on5th
Cheekpieces back on — worn before, not last time out · last ran 11 days ago (Tramore (IRE), 2nd)
Trainer Thomas Mullins with headgear back on: 5 wins from 100 with headgear back on (5%) · Fair A/E 0.76 (n 100) · since 2008
6Vantage CodeHeadgear back on12th
Hood back on — worn before, not last time out · last ran 11 days ago (Thurles (IRE), 5th)
Trainer Emmet Mullins with headgear back on: 7 wins from 85 with headgear back on (8.2%) · Fair A/E 0.73 (n 85) · since 2008
9Lord AusHeadgear back onWon
Cheekpieces back on — worn before, not last time out · last ran 27 days ago (Listowel (IRE), 2nd)
Trainer J. P. Murtagh with headgear back on: 23 wins from 156 with headgear back on (14.7%) · Fair A/E 1.42 (n 156) · since 2008
1Age of BaroqueHeadgear back on2nd
Tongue strap back on — worn before, not last time out · last ran 17 days ago (Newcastle (AW), 10th)
Trainer Jessica Macey with headgear back on: 1 win from 41 with headgear back on (2.4%) · Fair A/E 0.31 (n 41) · since 2008
6PitneyHeadgear back on4th
Visor back on — worn before, not last time out · last ran 12 days ago (Kempton (AW), 13th)
Trainer Michael Attwater with headgear back on: 4 wins from 139 with headgear back on (2.9%) · Fair A/E 0.48 (n 139) · since 2008
6SerendipiaHeadgear back on6th
Visor back on — worn before, not last time out · last ran 23 days ago (Curragh (IRE), 7th)
Trainer W. McCreery with headgear back on: 12 wins from 142 with headgear back on (8.5%) · Fair A/E 1.14 (n 142) · since 2008
4Mix de GrisHeadgear back onDid not finish
Hood back on — worn before, not last time out · last ran 63 days ago (Windsor, 9th)
Trainer Sheena West with headgear back on: 5 wins from 40 with headgear back on (12.5%) · Fair A/E 1.57 (n 40) · since 2008
10OharaHeadgear back on3rd
Cheekpieces back on — worn before, not last time out · last ran 30 days ago (Chester, 4th)
Trainer Eve Johnson Houghton with headgear back on: 15 wins from 167 with headgear back on (9%) · Fair A/E 0.99 (n 167) · since 2008
14RampageHeadgear back on10th
Visor back on — worn before, not last time out · last ran 14 days ago (Killarney (IRE), 8th)
Trainer T G McCourt with headgear back on: 7 wins from 237 with headgear back on (3%) · Fair A/E 0.61 (n 237) · since 2008
9Sure And StedfastHeadgear back on9th
Hood back on — worn before, not last time out · last ran 16 days ago (Redcar, 2nd)
Trainer Ewan Whillans with headgear back on: 11 wins from 80 with headgear back on (13.8%) · Fair A/E 2.09 (n 80) · since 2008
11Cannonball QueenHeadgear back on13th
Cheekpieces back on — worn before, not last time out · last ran 40 days ago (Cork (IRE), 7th)
Trainer S M Duffy with headgear back on: 3 wins from 62 with headgear back on (4.8%) · Fair A/E 1.31 (n 62) · since 2008
5Cayman DancerHeadgear back on4th
Hood back on — worn before, not last time out · last ran 204 days ago (Ascot, 6th)
Trainer Gary & Josh Moore with headgear back on: 12 wins from 91 with headgear back on (13.2%) · Fair A/E 1.08 (n 90) · since 2008
10Dandy MagicHeadgear back onWon
Cheekpieces back on — worn before, not last time out · last ran 7 days ago (Musselburgh, 3rd)
Trainer Jim Goldie with headgear back on: 31 wins from 400 with headgear back on (7.8%) · Fair A/E 0.94 (n 399) · since 2008
8GlamazonHeadgear back on13th
Blinkers back on — worn before, not last time out · last ran 11 days ago (Thurles (IRE), 6th)
Trainer Paul W Flynn with headgear back on: 18 wins from 251 with headgear back on (7.2%) · Fair A/E 1.11 (n 250) · since 2008
6La TriniteHeadgear back onWon
Cheekpieces back on — worn before, not last time out · last ran 6 days ago (Southwell, 3rd)
Trainer Neil King with headgear back on: 17 wins from 200 with headgear back on (8.5%) · Fair A/E 0.87 (n 200) · since 2008
12Tina TereshkovaHeadgear back on7th
Cheekpieces back on — worn before, not last time out · last ran 32 days ago (Naas (IRE), 11th)
Trainer Andrew Kinirons with headgear back on: 0 wins from 21 with headgear back on (0%) · Fair A/E 0.00 (n 21) · since 2008 · small sample
183 of 472 runners declared to run wear headgear of some kind today; 6 wear a type of gear new to them but have worn other headgear before — not first-time by our convention, so not listed. A trainer’s Fair A/E is wins divided by the sum of each runner’s fair chance from its SP, the bookmakers’ margin taken out: 1.00 means the yard’s first-timers won exactly as often as their prices said. Read it with the favourite–longshot bias in mind — outsiders as a group win less often than their prices say and favourites more.
How this is read
- What counts as first-time headgear?
- Headgear on today’s card where no earlier run in our archive — the horse’s whole captured career — wore any headgear at all. First time ever, not first time this season and not first time in this type of gear. A horse that has worn blinkers before and switches to a visor is not first-time.
- What is “headgear back on”?
- The horse has worn headgear before, ran without it last time, and wears it again today — a re-fit. These are listed apart from the first-timers because they are a different population with a different record.
- What does “no earlier run in our archive” mean?
- The horse has no earlier run in our archive, which runs from January 2005 and covers Great Britain, Ireland and France. It is usually a debutant, but it could have raced abroad. Where the racecard’s own count says a horse has run in this gear before and our archive has no earlier run in any headgear, the horse is listed under “May have worn headgear before” so you can judge.
- What is the trainer’s record?
- Every archived run since 2008 by a horse from that yard wearing headgear for the first time (or, for the re-fits, with headgear back on): wins, runs, strike rate and Fair A/E with its sample. Fair A/E is wins divided by the sum of each runner’s fair chance from its starting price, the bookmakers’ margin taken out — 1.00 means the yard’s first-timers won exactly as often as their prices said, above 1 more often. Samples under 30 are flagged, never hidden. Read any A/E with the favourite–longshot bias in mind: outsiders as a group win less often than their prices say and favourites more.
- Where does this come from?
- Today’s headgear from the racecard, and each horse’s gear history from Kickthebookies’ own results archive. The trainer records are computed by the same aggregation service that produces every figure on a trainer’s profile, so the two never disagree.
- Is first-time headgear a tip?
- No. Headgear goes on for many reasons — to sharpen a lazy horse, to settle a keen one, to help a horse that hangs. Some improve for it, many do not. The page shows which horses have it on for the first time and how the yard’s first-timers have fared; the rest is your call.
- What is “Stands out today”?
- A few sentences built by fixed rules from today’s rows — no model and no opinion. One names first-timers from yards whose first-timers have run well above, or well below, their prices over at least 100 runs since 2008, with the yard’s Fair A/E and sample; another names horses wearing headgear for the first time straight after a win. A rule that is not met prints nothing. The names jump to the row below.