Conscript is a horse we have always held in high regard, and it was hugely rewarding to see him make a winning return at Ffos Las last summer, scoring impressively after a 405-day absence. It was a fantastic result for his owners and a testament to the patience, care and expertise of Clive Cox and his team, whose skilful handling has allowed him to return stronger and ready to fulfil his early promise.

We purchased Conscript for €75,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale — a sale that has proven particularly fruitful for Kennet Valley, producing the likes of Sir Busker, Flashcard and Fast Society. Clive Cox was especially taken with him at the sale, having trained our high-class juvenile Dragon Leader the previous season, and he has always regarded him as a horse with significant potential.

He is by Soldier’s Call, an exciting young sire and top-class two-year-old himself, having won the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Group 2 Flying Childers. From a sharp and proven sprinting line, Soldier’s Call has already sired Group performers such as Dawn Charger and continues to make a very promising impression with his early crops.

Conscript’s dam, Dundel’s Spirit, is by Invincible Spirit — also the broodmare sire of our smart sprinter Equality — and has already produced the speedy Listed winner Isaan Queen. She is a half-sister to two high-class juveniles: Charlotte O’Fraise, winner of the Group 3 Prix de Calvados, and Luck Money, winner of the Goffs Million and placed in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes. The family also traces back to the outstanding sire Dubawi, underlining the depth of quality in his pedigree.

On the track, Conscript made a highly encouraging debut at Haydock as a two-year-old, finishing a close third, before subsequent setbacks kept him off the racecourse for over a year. In hindsight, that time may have proved a blessing in disguise, allowing him to grow, strengthen and mature. His return in spectacular fashion at Ffos Las last summer provided to be one of the season’s most heart-warming moments as he made all to win impressively.

Unfortunately, he was struck into during that race, leading to another enforced break, but it was a pleasure to see him bounce back to form on the all-weather at Kempton towards the end of the year. After another winter to strengthen and mature, we very much look forward to seeing what Conscript can achieve back on turf this season, with every reason to believe there is still more to come from this likeable and talented performer.