KOBE BACK IN TRAINING WITH HOLLAND AND TOWCESTER BOUND

Ian Fortune

Just days after being named the Supreme Greyhound of the Year at the National Greyhound Awards, the sensational news that 2023 Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby champion The Other Kobe is back in training and set to travel to Towcester for a crack at the Star Sports/ TRC English Derby was confirmed on Wednesday morning by Graham Holland.

His last start came in September when Jennifer O’Donnell steered him to his sensational Derby victory. In more recent times the brilliant son of Ballymac Best had been standing at stud with Richard and Michael Cully at their Coonough Kennels but the temptation to have a go at the English Derby was too great for his owners Brian Clare and David L’Estrange.

Only Tuesday, Graham Holland’s name appeared alongside the Derby champion on his form page on this very website and it adds real spice to the upcoming English Derby.

Said Graham Holland of his newest inmate, “We don’t have him long. We were approached to take him for a crack at the English Derby and we couldn’t say no.

“The dog is in great shape, has settled in really well and has we couldn’t be happier with him. The plan is to trial him at Towcester on Sunday and take it one week at a time. If all goes well, we’d look at running him in a trial stake the following week but we’ll see how it goes.

“Obviously, the owners knew we would be going to Towcester and we were asked to take the dog. Our remit is to have a go at Towcester with him. After that we’ll see what happens.”

Graham also confirmed he was hoping to have around a dozen runners in the classic but plans are still fluid and all decisions will be made when their potential challengers have all had a look at the track.