Tipperary trainer tastes success in the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby!

Jennifer O'Donnell trained The Other Kobe to the win and completed a rare kind of success in the process

Jenna Boyle of BoyleSports presenting the Irish Greyhound Derby Trophy to David L'Estrange, Brian Clare & Aidan Walsh. Also included are trainer Jennifer O'Donnell and connections.

What a buzz for Tipperary trainer Jennifer O’Donnell, as her star hound romped home in fine style to take home the top prize in the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby last night at Shelbourne Park. 

The Other Kobe was favourite going into the final and performed on the biggest of stages to create an unbelievable double.

It was a case of déjà vu as the hound emulated his brilliant litter brother, Born Warrior who was the BoyleSports Irish Greyhound Derby winner in 2022 and was also trained by the Killenaule native. 

The owners of Born Warrior - Brian Clare, David L’estrange, and Aidan Walsh - purposely bought their star, on the recommendation of Shelbourne Park Bookmaker Teddy Hegarty, with the aim to win a Derby and their dream came true in the most emphatic fashion.

Connections were thrilled to scoop the €125,000 prize as The Other Kobe produced an exciting race to win in 29.11 and send the crowd wild as the well backed hound sealed the deal. 

It was another famous night for the O’Donnell family as Jennifer 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.

For Killenaule based Jennifer, her maiden Irish Derby victory came last year and now she has done it again. She follows in the footsteps of her father Matt and mother Frances who both trained Irish Derby winners of their own in their careers.

Now Jennifer, Frances and the late great Matt O’Donnell have six Irish Derby victories to speak of. Congratulations to all.