Yes I’m Mali’s thrilling season so far

Yes I’m Mali joined the RaceShare roster in November last year after being purchased for a bargain price of 22,000gns at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses-in-Training Sale. A winner at the 2024 York Ebor Festival for his previous connections, he was a horse our buying expert believed was exceptionally well-handicapped and capable of progressing through the sprint ranks.

It didn't take long for that to be justified. On just his second start in the RaceShare silks, everything fell into place in a very competitive 18-runner handicap at Thirsk in April, where he produced a determined performance to get his head in front.

Following that success, trainer David O'Meara felt the time was right to test him in stronger company. His next assignment came in the £75,000 Hong Kong Jockey Club Handicap on Lockinge Day at Newbury, where he was partnered by the excellent Saffie Osborne. Despite a significant step up in class and a clear track bias, Mali produced another highly creditable effort.

Just a week later, he returned to the Knavesmire for another fiercely competitive Saturday handicap. It was a stonking effort, finding only one too good in the closing stages, in a 20-runner field.

Since then, Yes I’m Mali has continued his upward trajectory. Another commendable effort in Class 2 company at Thirsk in May was followed by two excellent runner-up finishes on Newmarket's July Course. Those narrow defeats on the July Course proved what a tough and consistent horse he is and his owners toasted him with a glass of champagne post-race last time.

Throughout the season, Mali has established himself as a regular and reliable performer. He's been an outstanding syndicate horse, giving his owners regular action, plenty of excitement and consistently competitive performances throughout the season so far, while gradually adding to his prize-money tally.