KINGSTON, Jamaica – Following his recent win on Saturday, July 19, 2025, trainer Gregg Fennell has confirmed that his three-year-old colt, Bob The Builder, will line up for the 2025 Jamaica Derby, slated for Wednesday, August 6.
Bob The Builder claimed his second career win from six starts in the Terremoto Trophy—a non-winners-of-two contest for three-year-olds run over 9½ furlongs. Ridden by Shane Ellis, the colt was settled just off the pace behind Midnight Runner through the first turn and down the backstretch. At the five-furlong marker, Ellis gave him rein, allowing Bob The Builder to quicken smartly and pull ahead.
In the closing stages, Bob The Builder showed signs of tiring, which allowed Beneison (ridden by Phillip Parchment) to close in rapidly. Still, Bob The Builder held on by half a length, with Star Quest (Garvin Harris) trailing 12¼ lengths in third. The winning time was 2:07.0.
After the race, Quickgallopja.com caught up with trainer Fennell for his thoughts.
QUICK GALLOP (QG): How did Bob The Builder come out of Saturday’s race?
GREGG FENNELL (GF): It’s Tuesday now, three days after the win, and Bob The Builder is doing well. He's eating properly and looks happy.
QG: Since he’s recovered well, will he be running in the 12-furlong Jamaica Derby?
GF: Yes, absolutely. He will be starting in the Derby.
QG: Why did you choose to race him just a couple of weeks before such an important event?
GF: Saturday’s race was his final serious prep for the Derby. It also gave him more experience navigating two turns—valuable learning for him. He did similarly in the St Leger, which was also part of that developmental process.
QG: In the 2000 Guineas (8 furlongs), he faded near the end, and again in the St Leger (10 furlongs). Are you worried about his stamina ahead of the longest race on the calendar?
GF: Not really. The main issue with Bob The Builder is his reluctance to change his lead leg. In the Guineas, he only switched leads after being passed by the winner. Last Saturday, he changed leads only after crossing the finish line. We’re working to address that. We should be ready come Derby Day.
QG: Have you chosen a rider for the Derby?
GF: Not yet. It’s still undecided and in flux. No jockey has been confirmed as of now.
