Trainer Focus: Harry Derham: Upper Farm’s Most Interesting Runners

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Having served as assistant to 14-time British Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls for six years, Harry Derham could scarcely have received a better education. It’s fair to say that the likeable handler made a positive start since setting out on his own at the start of the 2023/24 campaign.

Registering 44 winners from 179 runners: Derham’s 25% strike rate was the highest of any British trainer with more than 100 runners. Simply backing every Derham runner to take to the track produced a profit of £11.43 to £1 level stakes. Not bad for a debut campaign.

Cut from ambitious cloth, Derham no doubt plans to kick on in 2024/25. 14 wins from his first 56 runners this season (sticking to that 25% strike rate) suggests a productive season lies ahead. Here, we highlight the standout performers from this up-and-coming yard and reveal those who have made our horse tracker for 2024/25. 

Stable Stars

Brentford Hope

Based at the yard of Richard Hughes during his days on the flat, Brentford Hope finished placed in Group company on three occasions. Joining the Derham yard in March 2023, he has shown enough to suggest he may progress to become a Graded class performer over hurdles. Starting out on a mark of 114, five wins in nine outings saw him shoot up to 148. At his best over 2m and versatile regarding ground conditions, he's one to watch in top handicaps and possibly events at Listed level and above.

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Imagine

Formerly trained by Gordon Elliott, this Montmartre gelding has yet to race for his new trainer but showed bags of ability when based in Ireland. Successful in his bumper and over hurdles, he took a big step forward when faced with a fence. Mastering the subsequent Kim Muir winner Inothewayurthinkin on chase debut at Fairyhouse, he followed up in the Grade 2 Craddockstown Novice Chase at Punchestown before disappointing at that track in January. The fact that he missed the remainder of the campaign suggests all was not well that day, and it will be no surprise to see him continue his progression through the ranks.

Queens Gamble

As Derham’s first winner at Listed level, this six-year-old mare will likely hold a special place in his heart. With the runner-up in that Taunton contest landing a similar contest on her next start, the form looks solid, suggesting Queens Gamble may soon be ready for a further step up in class. The Gerry Feilden Hurdle at Newbury looks like a solid starting point before stepping back into Listed/Graded company.

Six For the Tracker

Talented as the above trio are, we strongly suspect that Harry Derham’s biggest days lie ahead of him. Surpassing his 2023/24 winning total is a realistic target this term. Hopefully, the following sextet will help him along the way.

• Jasmin Bliss – This Point-to-Point winner made an excellent start to life under rules. Having blown away the cobwebs at Ludlow, she landed back-to-back Bumper events at Wetherby and Newbury. Looking like the type to improve over obstacles - and by a sire we like (Blue Bresil) - it will be no surprise to see this one in Listed company before too long.
• Mossy Fen Road – Picked up for €75,000 following his strong staying victory in an Irish Point-To-Point, this half-brother to the Grade 1 winning chaser Fury Road boasts stacks of appeal on pedigree. Likely to start in Bumpers, he looks likely to improve as he moves up in distance.

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• Noahsgreatrainbow – By Milan and out of a Beneficial mare, this appealingly bred sort made an encouraging start last season. An easy winner of a Wincanton Bumper on debut, he stepped up on that to finish second in a Listed event at Newbury. Setting out of Novice Hurdles, he is one to follow as he moves up the ladder.
• Picks Lad – Formerly based with Kim Bailey, this lightly raced eight-year-old caught the eye on his only run for Derham last season. That impressive seven-length cruise at Market Rasen looks even better now. The third home, Sure Touch, won his next four starts, including the Summer Plate off a mark of 137. Beginning the season on a mark of 122, Picks Lad looks like a well-handicapped staying chaser.
• Queensbury Boy – Derham looks particularly strong in the novice hurdle division, and this son of Doyen is another who it may pay to follow. Picking up a bumper on his yard debut, he then found only the highly regarded Wingmen too good in a hot event at Punchestown. His dam, Queens Wild, scored in Grade 3 company, and we suspect this one may ultimately hit similar heights.
• Viyanni – Dual Champion Stakes winner Almanzor is showing promise as a National Hunt sire, and this three-year-old is one of the more interesting juveniles in the Derham yard. Slowly progressive on the flat for Johnny Murtagh, he easily claimed a 1m6f on his final start in Ireland and is an intriguing addition to the Bumper/Juvenile Hurdle team. 

Paul Harrison

Falling in love with racing at a young age, Paul’s passion for sports and betting took him to Salford University, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics with Gambling Studies. Having spent ten years in the employment of a leading bookmaker, Paul opted to go it alone and pursue his dream job as a freelance writer.