Interview with David O'Meara

On Tuesday morning, I spoke to Jason Kelly, who is assistant trainer to David O'Meara, and had a run through the Upper Helmsley inmates for the new edition of Ahead On The Flat. Jason is one of the best in the business and has been a integral part of the stable's success over the years. He bought the likes of Lord Glitters, Mondaliste and Suedois from France before they developed into household names in the UK. The yard had another excellent campaign in 2024 with 123 winners earning over £2.3m in prize-money. The former jumps jockey was responsible for a handful of Listed winners last term and there is plenty of strength in depth for the new campaign. Their operation has been boosted still further by some exciting recruits amongst the older horse team, including from France. Expect another profitable season.

Subscribers to the Christmas Special will be aware that Declan Phelan unearthed another potential smart type in Heron In The Park (4/1) at Newbury on Saturday. The daughter of Walk In The Park had been purchased for £280,000 in December having won her sole point-to-point less than a fortnight earlier. Declan highlighted the five year old in the Update and Tom George's new arrival looked above average as she barely came off the bridle to win the mares' bumper at the Berkshire track under Harry Cobden. One would imagine that the Grade 2 mares' bumper at Aintree next month could be on her agenda. Remember where you read about her first.

As discussed, the One Jump Ahead Cheltenham Festival Update will also include information for the opening couple of weeks of the Flat season - before Ahead On The Flat is published - and it will feature a few horses included in the David O'Meara interview which are lined up to run in late March / early April, including an unraced three year old. Please head to the Publications section of the site to order your copy, if you haven't already done so.