HENNESSY’S MAIDEN DERBY SUCCESS WITH ETIENNE

Ian Fortune

Paul Hennessy was long odds on to capture the KAB Maiden Derby at Towcester on Sunday afternoon with three of the six finalists, including red-hot favourite Jaytee Craze, but things didn’t exactly go to script.

Hennessy did manage to win the £10,000 price but with one of his outsiders Jaytee Etienne. Named after Travis Etienne Jr., a running back with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL, it was fitting the son of Jaytee Taylor and Cornerhouse Lady displayed fine early dash to slip the field into the turn.

In contrast, Jaytee Craze missed the start from the inside box and was involved in an opening bend scrimmage which also ended the hopes of his compatriots, Barefoot Awesome and the Graham Holland trained Garfiney Blake.

Available at 16-1 during the week, Jaytee Etienne did come in for support, eventually going to traps a 9-1 chance and those that sided with John Turner’s charge were soon smiling. Glorious Tom turned second but Jaytee Etienne was not for catching.

Maintaining a strong gallop throughout, the October ’21 whelp emerged a comfortable and deserving three and a half length scorer over Glorious Tom in 29.19. Garfiney Blake, Jaytee Craze and Barefoot Awesome would finish fourth, fifth and sixth.     

NO LUCK FOR TREND

Elsewhere on the card, Irish Laurels champion High Trend had his first look at Towcester in one of the Derby Trial Stakes. Everything seemed to be going to plan for the professional tracker but a lack of experience at the track saw him ease into the turn as he attempted to get his bearings.

Suddenly, he found himself in fourth after leading early. He did stay on at the finish but remained fourth. He is certain to improve considerably for the run and is one to keep onside going forward.