Derham calls for racing to be more open as he plans first runners for Boxing Day

Harry Derham has called for racing to be more willing to open its doors and showcase behind-the-scenes action in order to attract new fans to the sport – and revealed he could saddle his first runner as a trainer on Boxing Day.

The former jockey and assistant to champion trainer Paul Nicholls is preparing to embark on his own career with a licence and spoke to Maddy Playle for the latest video in her series Maddy Meets, available to watch exclusively on the Racing Post YouTube channel from 6pm on Wednesday.

He said: "In my opinion, the more people know about behind the scenes, the more interested they are and the more they understand it.

"I've got a good few mates who have started to engage and have a share in a horse because they're seeing me start off. They want to know a bit more about it."

Derham plans to saddle his first runner on Boxing Day after playing a key role at Dicheat for over a decade and believes fans need a better insight into the training process in order to appreciate the complexity of the thoroughbred.

"If someone goes for a day's racing they'll see 12 horses and they'll see them race, but actually they won't know what's gone into that horse," he said.

"I think if we can bring that to life a bit more, it can engage more people. The fascinating bit I find is horses aren't machines. Even those very good ones, the fragility of a racehorse is extraordinary."

Along with plans, Derham discussed accusations of nepotism, racing's role in ensuring the longevity of the thoroughbred and the "short, sharp but fair" attitude of his former boss.

Watch more from this series:

Maddy Meets: Kirsten Rausing

Maddy Meets: Lydia Hislop

Maddy Meets: Fergal O'Brien

Maddy Meets: John Francome

Maddy Meets: Tom Segal

The Big Jump Off is here! Dave Orton and leading Racing Post tipsters Paul Kealy and Tom Segal give us their exclusive views, analysis, ante-post tips and horses to follow for the 2022-23 National Hunt season. WATCH NOW.