KOBE KEEPS DERBY IN THE FAMILY

KOBE KEEPS DERBY IN THE FAMILY

Ian Fortune

The Other Kobe is the 2023 Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby champion.

Those were the words this lucky scribe announced to the packed Shelbourne Park stands on Saturday night soon after the brilliant tracker had produced one of the most perfect displays ever seen on the biggest stage of all.

For Jennifer O’Donnell, it was a case of déjà vu as her star emulated his brilliant litter brother, Born Warrior, by racing to Derby glory.

Owners Brian Clare, David L’estrange and Aidan Walsh purposely bought their star, on the recommendation of Teddy Hegarty, to win a Derby and their dream came true in the most emphatic fashion.

Bockos Crystal and Bens Teddy both played their part in making this a truly memorable contest but the Other Kobe was imperious on the night that mattered and his name will go into the record books as the fastest ever Derby winner.

TEDDY SENT OFF FAVOURITE

As expected, ahead of the off, there was huge support for Bens Teddy and he was actually returned the 11-4 favourite.

The Other Kobe was eventually sent off the 3-1 second favourite, just ahead of Music Glideaway on 7-2, while Bockos Crystal was next at 4-1. Well Met was a drifter on the evening, going to traps at 11-2. Threesixfive was the rank outsider and was eventually returned at 28-1.

A DRAMATIC BACK DROP

The fog began to descend on Shelbourne Park not long after racing got underway and it provided an almost mystical backdrop to another famous night.

The huge crowd that made the journey knew the significance of the start and when the traps opened The Other Kobe was first to show.

Showing his electric trapping ability and superb early speed, he was in the driving seat from the very outset. Bockos Crystal also went up fast with Well Met third but, even at this early stage, it was evident that The Other Kobe was going to take some catching. 

CRYSTAL PUSHES HARD

Bockos Crystal gave pursuit into the back straight and home, making this a contest right to the very finish but The Other Kobe was never going to be picked up.

The son of Ballymac Best and Mountaylor Queen was so purposeful in his movements.

A length to the good at the opening bend, he took the turn as though he was on skates. By the second bend he had almost three lengths in hand and he continued to lay it on thick. He increased his lead further to the third turn, going three and a half lengths clear but this was where Bockos Crystal began to close.

So too did Bens Teddy. After staying tight to the fence off the second bend to move fourth, he joined Well Met into the third turn and, for a brief moment, gave his supporters something to shout about. It wasn’t meant to be for Bens Teddy, however.

With Well Met coming back in towards the fence on the third turn, the pair bumped. It was to cost Bens Teddy valuable momentum and effectively end his chances.

THE RUN TO THE LINE

Instead, the focus was on the front two and more significantly, The Other Kobe.

After his electric start, he was on his way to Derby glory. Bockos Crystal closed the gap significantly and was still advancing when they hit the line but it was all too late.

Despite running an incredible race in defeat, she was to come up short. The Other Kobe, on the other hand, was to produce the greatest run of his career. Holding his rival to the line, he was greeted with a wall of noise as h emerged a half length winner in a stunning, fastest of all time, 29.11. Bockos Crystal was second, Bens Teddy just another length adrift in third, while Threesixfive ran on strongly to take fourth another three lengths adrift.    

It was another famous night for the O’Donnel family. Jennier was joined on the track by friends and well-wishers but it was particularly poignant to see her mother Frances join her and embrace her soon after the race. Between Jennifer, Frances and the late great Matt O’Donnell, there are six Irish Derby victories to speak of.

Jenna Boyle presents the trophy to David Lestrange after The Other Kobe won the final of the 2023 BoyleSports Irish Derby. Also included are joint owners Aidan Walsh and Brian Clare, trainer Jennifer O'Donnell and Frances O'Donnell.            Pic: Imelda Grauer

Video: Jennifer O'Donnell's first reaction following the win

Video: The Derby Roar at Shelbourne Park