Bonfire, one of nine runners declared for this Saturday's Investec Derby, has been doing a spot of dressage in the run-up to the race. 

From the arena to the racetrack

While racehorses are usually found working on the gallops, Bonfire has been sent to top event rider Dan Jocelyn for some basic schooling sessions in the arena. 

"It breaks up his routine, and gives him something to think about. He’s a smart and alert horse, and schooling keeps him fresh and his mind on other things," Dan told H&C. "He's been doing basic dressage work in the arena, and some trotting poles – he's an amazing athletic horse to ride," he added.

A natural athlete

According to Dan, Bonfire took the schooling sessions in his stride. "It’s totally different to what he's used to doing, and it took a couple of sessions for him to get used to working in the arena, but each time he came he did seem to remember what he was doing the last time," he said.

However, a career in eventing or dressage doesn't beckon quite yet. "He's far better being a racehorse or future stud horse than an eventer," Dan added. "He’s a beautiful looking horse, with so much presence."

Epsom bound

Bonfire's last schooling session was on Monday, and this weekend he will face eight rivals at Epsom, in the most famous Group 1 Classic of all. The three-year-old colt, who is trained by Andrew Balding, is second favourite, while the Aidan O'Brien-trained Camelot is currently odds-on to win. 

Dan, meanwhile, may not even get to watch the race as he has three horses to compete this Saturday at the Tattersalls International Horse Trials in Ireland. 

"I’m sure I’ll hear about the race soon enough," he said. "His connections have done everything they can to prepare him properly and it’s lovely to be part of that, even in a small way."