Givemefive gears up for Cheltenham's Masterson Holdings Hurdle, eyeing a strong return to jumping after a promising flat run. Trainer Harry Derham optimistic about the competition.
Givemefive is being prepared for a return to hurdle racing in the Masterson Holdings Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday. The four-year-old had triumphs in his first two hurdle races last season under the guidance of trainer Harry Derham and for owners Smash Racing, a syndicate that includes Major-winning golfers Graeme McDowell and Brooks Koepka.
After finishing second in the Adonis Hurdle at Kempton and fourth in a Grade Two race in Ireland to conclude his juvenile season, Givemefive came back from a summer break with a run on the Flat at Haydock last month. Derham was thrilled with his performance as Givemefive finished a close second.
“I was extremely pleased with his performance; he only got tired in the last half-furlong, which we all expected,” he said. “He's in good condition. I anticipate Cheltenham will be a very competitive race next Saturday, but his prep run will be beneficial, and hopefully, he'll perform well.”
I believe it will be quite a competitive race given the horses I've heard are participating, but it's a challenging year for him as he transitions from four to five years old. It's always beneficial to keep them within their age group if possible. He's in great condition, and the preparatory run has achieved our objectives, so he'll head there with a fair chance.
Derham has commenced the jumps season in outstanding form, achieving victories at Stratford, Chepstow, Market Rasen, and Wincanton since early October. He mentioned, 'The horses are in excellent condition. Many won't be competing until November, but those we've raced so far have performed well, which gives everyone a boost of confidence, so it's fantastic.'
