The 2024 Star Sports & TRC English Greyhound Derby kicked off on Thursday at Towcester, featuring some remarkable performances in the first-round heats of the £175,000-to-the-winner Classic.
Jaytee Etienne set the tone in the opening heat, showcasing an impressive victory over 500m. The Irish raider, trained by Paul Hennessy, outpaced Mark Wallis's fast-starting Eclipse champion, Newinn Syd. Jaytee Etienne, an October 2021 son of Jaytee Taylor and Cornerhouse Lady, surged ahead at the third bend and secured two and a half lengths win in 28.85sec.
Paul Hennessy, a two-time English Derby-winning trainer, later achieved a double victory as Boylesports Bob finished strongly to win in 28.87sec. Susan Hennessy, the trainer’s wife, expressed delight with Boylesports Bob's performance, highlighting his excellent track handling and competitive spirit.
Richard Rees also celebrated a double victory with Kilara Roberto in heat five and Nowitsmyturn in heat seven. Kilara Roberto, a July 2021 son of Pestana and Kilara Diamond, won by almost three lengths in 29.03sec, while Nowitsmyturn, another Pestana offspring, triumphed in 29.17sec.
The fastest run of the night came from De Lahdedah, trained by Liam Dowling. The October 2021 son of Lenson Bocko and Ballymac Sarahjo powered through the first bend in heat eight, eventually winning by seven and a half lengths in 28.78sec.
Reigning Irish Derby champion, The Other Kobe began his campaign with a victory in heat six, clocking 29.23sec. Now trained by Graham Holland, The Other Kobe dominated the race, crossing the line ahead of Tullymurry Jenga and Faypoint Harvey.
Other notable winners on the first night included Mark Wallis’s Crafty Shivoo (29.33sec), Patrick Janssens’s Edwards (28.98sec), Diane Henry’s Unreal Bruiser (28.91sec), and Maxine Locke’s Cooliogold (29.14sec).