Harry Derham Targets Irish Success

Trainer Harry Derham is plotting another ambitious venture to Ireland, this time with his talented mare Queens Gamble, following his recent success with Washington at Fairyhouse.

Queens Gamble was impressed with her return from a long layoff, finishing a strong second to Navajo Indy in the Gerry Feilden at Newbury. She will now head to the Dublin Racing Festival for a mares’ 0-140 handicap hurdle over two and a quarter miles, which Derham believes will suit her perfectly.

“It took her a little while to recover after Newbury, but she’s back cantering now,” Derham told OLBG. “We’re aiming for the mares’ race at the Dublin Racing Festival, which we think is ideal for her.”

Looking ahead to the Cheltenham Festival, Derham added: “The Dublin run will help us decide whether she’s a Mares’ Hurdle contender or better suited to the Coral Cup or County Hurdle. We haven’t seen the best of her yet.”

Meanwhile, Fairyhouse hero Washington, who produced a career-best performance in a valuable handicap, is being prepared for the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury on February 8.

“Fairyhouse was a magic day,” Derham reflected. “The race unfolded perfectly for him, and he capitalised on the setup. He’s up 10lb now, which makes things tougher, but he’s earned his chance in a big race like the Betfair Hurdle.”

Another promising horse in Derham’s yard is Givemefive, co-owned by golf stars Graeme McDowell and Brooks Koepka. After a tough outing at Fairyhouse, he is being aimed at the County Hurdle at Cheltenham.

“He’s better than what we saw at Fairyhouse,” said Derham. “The County Hurdle is the main target, and we’ll decide whether to give him a prep run on the Flat or in another hurdle race beforehand.”

With an exciting lineup for the coming months, Derham’s yard is poised to make its mark on both sides of the Irish Sea.