The Always Trying Racing Syndicate: Laying Down Serious Markers for 2026
For many racing syndicates, the retirement of a star performer can signal the end of an era and a period of rebuilding. But for the Always Trying Racing Syndicate, the retirement of their magnificent seven-time winning mare Could Be Trouble appears to have done quite the opposite. Rather than standing still, the team have responded with intent, ambition, and a clear statement of purpose: 2026 is going to be a year to remember.
Could Be Trouble was the heartbeat of the syndicate for years — a mare who delivered seven memorable victories, countless thrilling afternoons, and the sort of consistency owners dream about. Replacing such a flagbearer is no easy feat. Yet, instead of merely filling a gap, the syndicate have aggressively strengthened their hand with a succession of exciting acquisitions that point firmly toward one thing — winning races.
A Statement Signing: Fille Imbassee
The first major signal came with the significant investment in Fille Imbassee, a purchase that immediately turned heads and showed the syndicate meant business. Big-money buys are not made lightly in racing, and this acquisition represented a clear indication that the Always Trying Racing Syndicate were not prepared to settle into transition following the retirement of their beloved mare.
It was an ambitious move — one designed to add quality, class, and immediate excitement to the ownership ranks.
Serious Intent with Power Strike
If there was any lingering doubt about the syndicate’s ambitions, it was quickly dispelled with the acquisition of Power Strike.
Widely regarded as a serious piece of business, the purchase reinforced the message that this is a syndicate looking to compete at the highest possible level. Combining proven ability with future potential, Power Strike adds further depth to what is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting ownership portfolios heading into 2026.
Momentum was building — but the story didn’t stop there.
Faithful Guardian: A Name to Follow
Perhaps one of the most intriguing additions to the syndicate’s roster is the beautifully bred Faithful Guardian.
Already showing promise on the racecourse, Faithful Guardian made a highly pleasing debut at Ludlow in November 2025, catching the eye with a performance full of encouragement and suggesting significant potential lay beneath the surface.
That promise was quickly rewarded with a step into deeper waters, contesting the prestigious Cheltenham Listed Bumper on New Year’s Day — a clear vote of confidence in the horse’s ability and long-term prospects.
Having been purchased from the yard of Alan King, Faithful Guardian has now been placed with Donald McCain, a trainer renowned for nurturing talent and developing horses into consistent winners. The move could prove an inspired one as the syndicate looks to maximise the horse’s obvious potential.
A Syndicate Built on Ambition
Taken individually, each purchase is exciting.
Taken together, they tell a much bigger story.
The Always Trying Racing Syndicate are not rebuilding — they are reloading.
Following the retirement of a seven-time winner, many may have expected a quieter period. Instead, the syndicate has doubled down, investing heavily and intelligently in horses capable of delivering memorable days on the track.
With Fille Imbassee, Power Strike, and Faithful Guardian now forming part of an increasingly exciting team, all signs point toward one conclusion: the Always Trying Racing Syndicate have firmly laid down markers for 2026.
And if these early moves are anything to go by, there may be many winners’ enclosure photographs to come.
Watch this space — the Always Trying Racing Syndicate look ready to make serious noise in 2026.