Speaking to his yard sponsor OLBG.com, National Hunt trainer Harry Derham discusses the upcoming National Hunt Season and what’s in store at Upper Farm.
Excitement building
HD: “There is always a real sense of excitement around the yard at this time of year.
“The National Hunt season is beginning to take shape, the horses are getting closer to the track and, after what has been a busy and productive summer we are now very much looking forward to the night’s drawing in and the rain falling.
“Last season gave us some memories that will stay with us for a long time. We enjoyed plenty of winners, had some excellent performances at the biggest meetings and, most importantly, achieved something that every trainer dreams of when they start out: winning our first Grade 1.
“To do that with Le Frimeur at Punchestown was an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved.
“But one thing I’ve learned very quickly in this game is that you don’t get much time to stand still.
“Once one season finishes, you’re already thinking about the next one, and that is very much where our focus is now.
“We’ve made a really positive start to the season, with nine winners from 19 runners, which is a strike rate we’re really pleased with.
“The highlight has undoubtedly been Filibustering’s win at Cartmel in a valuable hurdle race back in June, which was a fantastic day for his owners James and Veronica Ferguson, whilst Luna Run winning two races for Steve Maloney and family has given me great satisfaction.”
A season to build on
HD: “Winning a first Grade 1 is obviously a huge milestone, but I don’t think anyone at the yard sees it as the end of anything.
“If anything, it makes us even more hungry.
“The standard of horse we’ve got in the yard continues to improve and we’re fortunate to have a really exciting group going into the new season; some established horses who have already performed at a high level alongside some horses who have plenty of improvement still to come.
“We’re also incredibly fortunate to have the support of OLBG, our yard sponsor and a fantastic partner to have alongside us as the yard continues to grow.
“Their involvement has developed well beyond traditional sponsorship, with OLBG Racing giving more people the opportunity to get involved in racehorse ownership and follow the horses and the team here at Upper Farm.
“It’s a partnership we’re extremely proud of, and hopefully we can give everyone involved plenty to enjoy this season.”
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Le Frimeur – the one everyone will be watching
HD: “Naturally, Le Frimeur will attract plenty of attention this season.
“He gave us an extraordinary day at Punchestown when he won our first Grade 1, and what has been particularly pleasing is the way he has continued to progress throughout his career.
“We’re going to keep him over hurdles this season, which is something we’re really looking forward to.
“He’s an exciting horse because we still don’t know where his ceiling is.
“Keeping him over hurdles gives us the opportunity to continue his progression and, while he is still so young, we feel chasing can wait a year.
“Newbury in the Long Distance Hurdle would look a sensible starting point for him.
“He is in good form and his pre-season so far has gone nicely.”
A strong group behind him
HD: “Le Frimeur isn’t the only horse giving us plenty of reason to be excited.
“Klub De Reve enjoyed a progressive campaign last season and his Grade 2 success at Kempton was a particularly good performance.
“He’s still relatively lightly raced and I think there is potentially more to come from him. He will go chasing.
“One Horse Town was another hugely important horse for us.
“He gave us our first Grade 2 success at Cheltenham, which was another landmark for the team, and he has developed into a useful little horse.
“He’ll have a prep run on the Flat before going to Cheltenham in late October.
“Life will be hard for him this year, but he’s already been a star for his owners.
“There are also plenty of horses within the team who we are looking forward to seeing progress this season.”
Proven performers with more to give
HD: “Cristal d’Estruval is a horse with a lovely profile and plenty of ability.
“He’s an exciting horse to have around the yard and one we’re looking forward to seeing progress. He will go chasing.
“Last season’s top earner, the wonderful Teddy Blue, is back again and seems to be in good shape.
“He is higher in the handicap than he’s ever been but has had a new lease of life since going chasing.
“It’s very probable that he could start in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree.
“Lover Desbois, who until now in my career is probably as good a bumper horse I’ve trained looks to be an exciting novice hurdler for the season ahead.
“He has pace and I think a touch of class to go with it.
“We are not in a hurry with him but if he takes to hurdling he could be a smart prospect for the year and is a horse I’m very sweet on.
“Mossy Fen Road is a horse who I believe we are yet to see the best of.
“He could well start in the Greatwood Hurdle in November, which should tell us whether another season hurdling is sensible or whether he should go chasing.
“Plans are not set in stone for him.”
Plenty of depth to look forward to
HD: “Norn Iron was one of our most improved horses last season and will hopefully open up in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, which will be exciting.
“He can mix it in some of the top handicap chases this season and jumps particularly well.
“We are lucky this season to have a lovely group of mares.
“The likes of Clondaw Park, Boombox, Catch Your Dreams, Jasmine Bliss, Jackie Hobbs, Moral Compass, Leslie’s Pride, Newbridge and Queen Alice all look poised to make their mark.
“Julio Coolio is a mare I love.
“Pass The Buck is another horse who has generated plenty of excitement since joining us.
“He has settled in really well and has the profile to make an interesting juvenile hurdler.
“Rockson Piel, Pantile’s Gift and Song of the Stars are juveniles that I also hope will make their mark.
“Radiant Walk, Crystal Voyager, Seven Joys, Crystal Douro and Evening Poet look like nice unraced prospects too and will contest National Hunt Flat races.”
Letting the horses tell their story
HD: “Kauto Line is a horse I like who will be aimed at the Goffs 100 grand bumper in the spring at Newbury.
“The returning Cave Bridge, has more in front of him than behind him, while Just Ennemi, Gallivanted, Crystello, The Burren Man, Western Monkey and Terrano also fit nicely into that category.
“They are all at different stages of their development and have different profiles, but that’s one of the great things about having a National Hunt yard – every horse has its own story and its own journey.
“We’re not going to put unnecessary pressure on them at this stage.
“Our job is to give them the right preparation, keep them healthy and happy and let them tell us what they are capable of.
“The horses will tell us where they should go.
“The most important thing right now is getting the horses fit, happy and ready to start their campaigns, which will very much be guided by rainfall over the coming weeks.”
The team behind the horses
HD: “One thing that can sometimes get forgotten when you look at racing from the outside is just how much work goes into getting a horse to the track.
“There are staff here riding out in all weathers, people looking after the horses in the yard, vets, farriers, physios and all of the other people who play their part.
“I’ve been really pleased with how our two new Head Girls, Paige Ely and Issy Whitty, have stepped into their new roles.
“They’ve both taken on the responsibility with a fantastic attitude, have worked incredibly hard and have already made a really positive impact.
“They’re approachable, reliable and take real pride in what they do, which are all qualities we value hugely here at Upper Farm.
“Both Paige and Issy have shown great leadership around the yard, helping to keep everything running smoothly while also being a great support to the team.
“They’re doing a brilliant job.
“As last year, they are backed up by my assistant Charlie Jewell, who goes into his third year in the role, alongside my travelling Head Girl Amy Deans and her assistant, Dom.
“They all put an enormous shift in throughout the season.”
A trusted partnership
HD: “Paul O’Brien has become a hugely important part of the team, and I’m delighted with how our relationship has flourished since we started working together.
“He has developed a fantastic understanding of the horses and has become someone I have a huge amount of trust in.
“His knowledge, work ethic and feel for a horse are a massive asset to the yard, and he has played a significant part in the progress we’ve made.
“His record riding for us has been outstanding.
“Paul has ridden 126 winners from 532 rides for the yard, giving him an excellent 24% strike rate, which is a fantastic return at any level.
“He’s ridden some hugely important winners for us and has consistently delivered when it matters
“Paul is a brilliant team player, works incredibly hard and always gives his best for the horses and the yard.
“I’m very lucky to have him as our stable jockey, and I’m really pleased with how our partnership has developed.
“Hopefully, there are plenty more winners to come.”
New faces, familiar support
HD: “I’m also really excited to welcome Calum Hogan to the team as our new conditional jockey.
“Calum joins us from Ireland and is a young rider we’re really looking forward to working with.
“He has plenty of enthusiasm and is keen to learn, and I’m sure he’ll settle into the team really well.
“I hope his five-pound claim will come in very useful, and hopefully this is the start of a very successful partnership as we help him develop and progress during his time with us.
“As I have felt ever since I started training, I feel so lucky to have the support of the most wonderful group of owners behind me.
“It is something I am constantly grateful for, and they are the reason we approach every season with such excitement.
“My sister Amy is still at the very heart of the business with me, and without question the biggest highlight of the last twelve months has been welcoming Hollie, my little niece, into our family.”
So what is to come next?
HD: “The aim is simple: to keep improving.
“We want to enjoy plenty of winners, compete in the best races, give our owners some unforgettable days and, hopefully, create a few more special memories along the way.
“Bring on the National Hunt season.”
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