Members enjoy Harry Derham visit

It was a welcome dry morning that saw around 30 ROA and ROA Racegoers Club members go behind the scenes at Harry Derham’s stables in Berkshire last Friday.

Harry, his sister Amy and his parents have only been based at Upper Farm Stables since summer 2023, but have quickly turned the former farm into a state-of-the-art training yard.

We were warmly greeted with tea, coffee, biscuits and a huge platter of hot sausages which were very welcome as Amy gave an introduction to the yard.  A short walk to the owner’s grandstand enabled everyone to watch third lot warm-up and canter, whilst Joker De Mai did a stronger piece ahead of his run three days later at Hexham (where he finished an honourable second). 

Harry generously answered all of the member’s questions, demonstrating a really measured and in-depth approach to every aspect of racing and training, so it was no surprise to hear another 20 boxes are being built this summer to accommodate the demand from owners to send him more horses.

Amy finished off the visit with a horse-by-horse tour of the yard, including Fidelio Vallis and Sir Pyscho, who will both be flying the flag for the yard at Punchestown, and this year’s top earner Brentford Hope. 

The members must have brought extra lucky pats to the horses because four winners followed in the next four days!

The ROA would like to thank Harry, Amy and everyone else at the stables for such an enjoyable and informative visit.