Paul O’Brien reveals what it’s like to ride at Cheltenham for Harry Derham: ‘It feels like every blade of grass is fought for’
Plans for the Cheltenham Festival can change in a heartbeat.
Races can change right up until the last minute, moving odds, plans, horses and jockeys.
Newbury trainer Harry Derham and jockey Paul O’Brien know this to be true.
The pair were set to team up in a number of races next week.
Brentford Hope was set for the Champion Hurdle, a former Flat-horse who finished second to Constitution Hill.
He’s now been pulled out of that race however, leaving Constitution Hill, Brighterdaysahead and potentially Lossiemouth to battle for the ultimate crown.
Viyanni also looked promising in the Fred Winter, a horse only beaten by Nicky Henderson’s Lulamba and Palladium.
He’s now out too, showing just how quickly plans can change.
“I won’t have loads of rides there,” said O’Brien.
“But we’re going to run a horse called Turn And Finish in the Fred Winter.
“I think maybe one in the bumper on Wednesday as well, Mossy Fen Road.”
O’Brien and Derham are both searching for their first Cheltenham wins.
Anything can happen at the Festival, which brings with it an entirely different atmosphere to the rest of the calendar.
“We’re so busy at the moment,” he said.
“I’m on my way up to Market Rasen right now, just flat out.
“There is a build up to it, but I guess you don’t feel it until you’re literally in the car on the way in.
“You’ve got work to do first before you can get there.”
Cheltenham’s atmosphere is unique, meaning that Jockeys like O’Brien have to find a new level of focus.
“It is intense,” he said.
“I do enjoy it, but the Festival is so busy.
“And the racing is so competitive.
“It feels like every blade of grass is fought for.
“There’s no easy time around there.
“It’s good fun, you just need a good horse!”
O’Brien has a great record with Derham’s horses, boasting a 23% win rate with the trainer and bringing home over £320,000 in prize money this season.
“We get on really well,” he said.
“He’s very professional, knows his horses really well and places them really well.
“I can’t speak highly enough of him.
“He’s very competitive, but he rode himself, he understands it.
“He’s very good to deal with.”
Derham’s Queen’s Gamble is currently a 33/1 outsider in the Mares Hurdle, although the drying ground is expected to suit her.
All the top local trainers will gather at Cheltenham Festival, which will take place from 11-14 March, to find out more visit greatbritishracing.com
