Hat-trick-Hero

Wed 25 Feb 2026

Winner 29 of 2026: WICKSEY, trained by Ben Haslam and ridden by Andrew Mullen. The ‘BetMGM Supports Safer Gambling Handicap’ over 1m4f at Southwell. 

What a journey he has taken his owners on this winter. From a promising and much-improved first run after his gelding operation to a three-timer in February.

We couldn’t be prouder of our son of Expert Eye, with his trademark head carriage, and more grateful to trainer Ben Haslam, who most certainly found the key to our hat-trick hero, who now shares top place in the ARC All Weather Bonus February Leaderboard.

Under his regular partner, Andrew Mullen, Wicksey jumped well from the stalls and was allowed to go forward and dispute an early lead in the five-runner race. He very much dictated the whole way around and was the first horse to stride on when turning for home. Bar the eventual second-placed horse; no one was able to follow our son of Expert Eye, who ran out another comfortable success for his delighted owners, who were all in attendance to witness his hat-trick and welcome him back to the winner’s enclosure.

Watch the full race replay via the link: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Southwell/24-February-2026/1830

Timeform rated his hat-trick with t75: "Went from the front this time, allowed an uncontested lead, and wasn't left with much to beat to complete the hat-trick, but this likely represents another stride forward, and he can remain on the upgrade; made all, kicked on over 2f out, tackled approaching final 1f, kept going well."

Syndicate Manager Tim was, of course, full of praise about our 3-year-old: "Congratulations, everyone. What a sensational effort from our Wicksey to get his hat trick up and take his share in the Feb AW Bonus. Another comfortable victory from our son of Expert Eye, under a very confident ride from Andrew Mullen, battling on gamely. A huge well done must go to Ben Haslam and his team, who have him in tip-top shape to bring up the three-timer."

If you would like to purchase any photos, please contact Southwell’s photographer, Tony Knapton at [email protected], and he will send you the proofs/price list.