ENNISCORTHY CONTINUES TO LEAVE IT’S MARK ON ENGLISH DERBY

Ian Fortune

Not for the first time in recent years, there is real Enniscorthy interest in the final of the Star Sports/ TRC English Derby. The classic decider will take place at Towcester on Saturday evening and those with an allegiance to Enniscorthy will have plenty to crow about.

 

BOB BIDDING TO SUCCEED FOR NED

Boylesports Bob, who will wear the stripes in the final, is jointly owned by Enniscorthy native Ned Murphy. The brilliant son of Good News began his journey to the top in the south east, clocking a rapid 18.87 in his first official trial and his rapid rise up the ranks certainly hasn’t been a surprise.

Murphy has always rated his charge and when offers came for the dog he was insistent on keeping a share, hence he and Boylesports supremo John Boyle are now hunting Derby glory together. The fact that the dog is trained by one of the great Kilkenny men in Paul Hennessy shouldn’t be missed either. Could a Wexford/ Kilkenny alliance do the business on Saturday?

If successful, it wouldn’t be the first time Hennessy has tasted success with a star boasting Enniscorthy form. Back in 2016, Jaytee Jet emerged a brilliant winner of the English Derby, the last of those run at Plough Lane, Wimbledon. He was very similar to Boylesports Bob in many ways and actually commenced his career at Enniscorthy, finishing third in Superior Product @ Stud Open Unraced.

 

GIZMO AN ENNISCORTHY GRADUATE

Ballymac Gizmo, who races from trap two in Saturday’s Derby decider, also has Enniscorthy ties. He may have been born and reared in Kerry but his career began in spectacular fashion in the Future Champion and Michael Fortune Memorial Open Unraced at Enniscorthy. He posted a sensational, fastest of the year, 28.61 on debut on St Patrick’s Day to announce himself. It’s safe to say he has gone from strength to strength since.

 

ALL AIMING TO FOLLOW FALCON

Of course, another great star to emerge from Enniscorthy and leave his mark on the English Derby is Thorn Falcon. He debuted under the shadow of Mount Leinster back in 2021 for his breeder and Wexford native Joe Devlin.

Known as Ordinary Joesoap at the time, he displayed all sorts of promise in the opening round of the Future Champion & Michael Fortune Memorial Open Unraced Stake. He was sold within days, had a name change and next appeared in the UK under the care of Patrick Janssens before going on to claim the Derby crown less than four months later.

Indeed, Enniscorthy continues to punch above its weight. Champions have always emerged from the sunny south east and will continue to do so in the future. Have no doubt, if either Boylesports Bob or Ballymac Gizmo emerge triumphant at Towcester there is sure to be a party in Enniscorthy.