Dereham Wins 'His Race' at Newmarket for Third Time

Dereham took Newmarket by storm on Thursday afternoon when landing the two-mile Boodles Handicap for a third time, this year in the hands of Saffie Osborne, who gave him a perfect patient ride.

Now nine, Dereham won the inaugural running of this particular race, which is the only one run over two miles on the July Course, back in 2022 in partnership with Harry Davies bearing the silks of Racing With Pride to honour Pride month. The following year he and Harry struck again for a second win, but things didn't go quite to plan last year, with Dereham managing only fifth, when beaten six and a half lengths.

He was back to his best for this year's running however, with six and a half lengths being his winning margin this time around, much to the delight not just of those connected to this stable but also to the crowd on course who gave him the biggest cheer of the day despite there also being the Listed Empress Fillies' Stakes on the card.

It means an awful lot to us that Dereham has become such a popular horse. He is now the winner of five races and was a good second to Hidden Pearl on his only other start so far this year at Yarmouth. We hope he'll return to the Norfolk seaside for another outing before too long.

Photo ©John Hoy/Hoycubed Photography