Jessica Harrington has opened up on her cancer treatment and how working with her horses has provided “the best therapy".
The 76-year-old Classic and Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer was diagnosed with breast cancer last October.
She has continued to train while undergoing chemotherapy and will have her second starter in the Betfred Derby next month with Sprewell set to line up at Epsom, although she is unlikely to attend in person.
“Things are great and I’m lucky enough to have finished the worst part of it now that the chemo is done,” said Harrington.
“We’re moving on to the next stage now and it’ll take a bit longer, but I hope that I’ll be out and about again very shortly.
“The horses really have been a massive help to me and I’m really lucky to have a massive support team here.
“My daughters Kate and Emma and my son-in-law have been around all winter keeping things going and I did my best to get out every single day that I could to look at the horses, because that was the best therapy that I reckoned I had.
““I went racing last Friday to Leopardstown. I didn’t actually go on Sunday, but I go when it’s nice and near and when I can. I’d be most likely to watch the Derby from home, but I’ll see how I get on.”
Sprewell booked his place with victory in the Group Three Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown earlier this month.
He is currently a 12-1 chance with sponsor Betfred as he bids to emulate Sinndar (2000), Galileo (2001) and High Chaparral (2002), who all went on to win the Derby after striking in the Leopardstown trial this century.
Harrington said: “I’ve been delighted with him. We knew he’d come on over the winter and he’s run two good, solid races.
“He’s come out of the Leopardstown run very well and we were delighted with him. He definitely stepped forward from there again and we’re looking forward to Saturday week.
“I think the step up to a mile and a half will suit him, he ran through the line very strong (at Leopardstown) and he’s a very strong and relaxed horse, which is the main thing.
Harrington has won the Irish 2,000 Guineas and Irish Oaks on the Flat while her jumps accomplishments include the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Sizing John, Champion Hurdle with Jezki and Queen Mother Champion Chase twice with Moscow Flyer
Her sole previous runner in the Derby, Gold Maze, finished ninth in 2020.
“It would be very special to win the Epsom Derby, it’s on the bucket list to get a tick! It’s great to go there with a horse that’s got a chance and it’s very exciting.”
