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- Harry Derham has revealed his plans for the 2026/27 National Hunt season at Upper Farm, with Grade 1 winner Le Frimeur staying over hurdles as he eyes Newbury's Long Distance Hurdle.
- The yard, sponsored by OLBG, has made a strong start to the campaign with 9 winners from 19 runners.
- Derham also praised stable jockey Paul O'Brien, who has ridden 126 winners from 532 rides for the yard at a 24% strike rate, and welcomed new conditional jockey Calum Hogan to the team.
Fresh Start After A Landmark Season
There's always a real sense of excitement around Upper Farm at this time of year, and this season is no different for Harry Derham, whose yard enjoyed a landmark 2025/26 campaign built around a first Grade 1 success.
Le Frimeur's victory at Punchestown was the highlight of a season Derham describes as one that will stay with the team for a long time, and after a busy summer of preparation, attention has firmly turned to what comes next.
"One thing I've learned very quickly in this game is that you don't get much time to stand still," Derham said. "Once one season finishes, you're already thinking about the next one, and that is very much where our focus is now."
Early signs for the new campaign are promising. Upper Farm has made a positive start with 9 winners from 19 runners, a strike rate Derham is delighted with.
Derham was also quick to credit Upper Farm's yard sponsor. "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," he said. "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."
Le Frimeur Set To Stay Over Hurdles
Naturally, Le Frimeur will attract plenty of attention again this season. His extraordinary Grade 1 win at Punchestown capped a campaign in which Derham felt he continued to progress throughout, and the decision has been made to keep him over hurdles for now rather than send him chasing.
"He's an exciting horse because we still don't know where his ceiling is," Derham explained. "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's Long Distance Hurdle looks the sensible starting point, with Derham reporting the horse in good form and his pre-season preparation going smoothly so far.
A Strong Squad Building Behind Him
Le Frimeur is far from the only source of optimism at Upper Farm. Klub De Reve, whose Grade 2 success at Kempton was a real highlight last season, will head over fences, while One Horse Town, who landed the yard's first Grade 2 at Cheltenham, has a prep run on the Flat before a return there in late October.
Cristal d'Estruval will also go chasing after a season Derham describes as showing plenty of ability, and last season's top earner Teddy Blue is back in good shape, with the Old Roan Chase at Aintree a likely starting point. Lover Desbois, who Derham rates as one of the best bumper horses he's trained, looks an exciting novice hurdler prospect, while Mossy Fen Road could begin his campaign in the Greatwood Hurdle and Norn Iron, one of last season's most improved horses, is set to target the Paddy Power Gold Cup.
There's also strength in depth among the yard's mares, juveniles and unraced prospects, with Derham keen not to rush any of them. "We're not going to put unnecessary pressure on them at this stage," he said. "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 Team Behind The Horses
Derham was also keen to highlight the people who make the operation run, singling out new Head Girls Paige Ely and Issy Whitty for the impact they've already made this season, alongside assistant trainer Charlie Jewell, travelling Head Girl Amy Deans and her assistant Dom.
Stable jockey Paul O'Brien, also sponsored by OLBG, came in for particular praise. Derham says his relationship with the rider has flourished since they began working together, and the numbers back it up, with 126 winners from 532 rides for the yard at an excellent 24% strike rate. "I'm very lucky to have him as our stable jockey," Derham said, "and I'm really pleased with how our partnership has developed. Hopefully, there are plenty more winners to come."
Derham is also looking forward to welcoming Calum Hogan, who joins as the yard's new conditional jockey from Ireland. "He has plenty of enthusiasm and is keen to learn," Derham said, "and I'm sure he'll settle into the team really well."
Follow Every Step Of The Season
For regular updates on Le Frimeur, the rest of the Upper Farm string and exclusive insight from Harry Derham himself throughout the season, sign up to the Harry Derham Racing Newsletter.
