The New Year got off to the perfect start as Because We Can recorded a very pleasing victory on his handicap debut at Wolverhampton on Monday, providing our first winner of 2026.

The three-year-old gelding stepped up to seven furlongs for the first time and was fitted with a visor for his handicap debut, with Georgia Dobie taking the ride. Despite showing plenty of early enthusiasm and taking a strong hold in the early stages, he settled better through the middle part of the race and finished things off in a thoroughly encouraging fashion to win comfortably by a length.

Advancing on his maiden and novice form, he has started his handicap career with a workable mark and looks a horse who can continue to progress as he gains more experience. This was a really pleasing performance, and we are delighted for his owners, Andrew Cohen and partner. It was also a great result for Georgia, who has been working hard behind the scenes here at Beechdown.