In an unexpected turn of events, Jaytee Etienne, trained by Ireland’s Paul Hennessy, claimed a well-deserved victory in Sunday’s KAB Maiden Derby Final at Towcester.
Among the three finalists from the successful Gowran kennels, Jaytee Etienne, alongside the favoured Jaytee Craze and Barefoot Awesome, faced early challenges. However, Jaytee Etienne managed to navigate through the pack, showcasing impressive early pace to outmaneuver fast-starting Glorious Tom (Tom Heilbron) and avoid the ensuing chaos.
Owned by John Turner and Lee Craze, Jaytee Etienne surged ahead down the back-straight, securing victory in the £10,000-to-the-winner event. He crossed the finish line three and a half lengths ahead of Glorious Tom, with Miami Bullet (Paul Young) taking third place, completing the 500m trip in 29.19 seconds.
This triumph marks Paul Hennessy’s first Maiden Derby success in the UK, enhancing his reputation as a two-time English Derby winner. Jaytee Etienne, representing long-time friend and owner John Turner, continues the pair’s successful partnership, following their victory with Jaytee Jet in the 2016 English Derby.
Hennessy expressed his delight at winning the competition, emphasizing the invaluable experience gained by the dogs for the upcoming Star Sports/TRC English Greyhound Derby. He plans to return to Towcester with Jaytee Etienne, alongside Jaytee Craze and Barefoot Awesome, in pursuit of a third Classic success.
Hennessy remarked, “Winning the final was special for us, especially considering Jaytee Etienne is home-bred. We now have our homework done for the Derby and got paid for doing it! What’s that bookie saying? ‘Winner, winner, chicken dinner’!”