Harry Derham is taking a two-pronged attack to Ireland for the rest of the 2025/26 National Hunt season. Both Mossy Fen Road and Jackie Hobbs are being aimed at novice hurdle events at Punchestown and Fairyhouse.
Mossy Fen Road was an intended runner in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. That was despite a shock odds-on defeat at Musselburgh prior to the big meeting at Prestbury Park. However, a last-minute injury ruled him out, with it initially feared he would miss the remainder of the season.
There is now hope that he could yet race once more this term. Aintree may come too soon, but Punchestown is now on the agenda should he be fit in time.
“The Supreme was very much the plan and on the morning of confirmations he trapped his epiglottis which made for a really rubbish morning,” Derham explained to the Press Association via Racing TV.
“He’s fine again now and back riding and has had the procedure that he needed. He won’t be ready for Aintree but he might go Punchestown if he goes anywhere this season.”
Punchestown could provide ample compensation even in what will likely be a tough contest. It is clear from Derham’s words though that Cheltenham was the aim and there was underlying confidence in his chances.
“It was just one of those incredibly frustrating things and with horses you are never too far away from a disaster.”
Fairyhouse Grade 1 eyed up for Jackie Hobbs
Where Mossy Fen Road missed the Festival, Jackie Hobbs competed. She also substantially outperformed market expectations to finish fast for fifth in the Grade 2 Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.
“We were extremely pleased with her run and thought it was a career best over hurdles. She flew home and we’re very proud of her,” continued Derham.
“It gets lost amongst the Festival, but I thought Paul (O’Brien) gave her a fantastic ride considering she was a big-priced runner in the race and she could now go to Fairyhouse for the Grade One Honeysuckle Mares Novice.”
Though the weight of the Irish home challenge will be amassed against her, Derham believes she can be a lively contender.
“You look at her run at Cheltenham and that doesn’t look a silly plan as it is two-and-a-half miles which I am pretty confident will bring out some improvement in her.
“I’m looking at Fairyhouse and seeing it as a very attractive option if she is well in a few weeks. Noel (Fehily) is very keen and it will all come down to how she is. But she seems in good nick and it’s a nice option.”