MARK WALLIS is the GBGB Trainer of the Year – for a record thirteenth time.

 

The boss of Imperial Kennels ended 2022 on 1,353 points, 310 points clear of Patrick Janssens (1043) and ahead of Kevin Hutton (905), Liz McNair (835), John Mullins (804) and Angela Harrison (605). The top six qualify for Trainers’ Judgement Night.

 

It means Mark Wallis – now further clear of nearest rivals Linda Mullins (7), John McGee (5) and Charlie Lister (4) – has been Trainer of the Year in 2005, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, 2021 and 2022.

 

Quick to praise his staff at his Imperial Kennels in Lakenheath, Suffolk, as well as the owners who support the efforts of Team Wallis, Wallis has no intention of releasing his grip on the Trainer of the Year title. He might even tighten it!

 

“I’ve got to be honest, looking ahead at all the competitions ahead in 2023, I really do feel this year can be up with the best we’ve had in terms of major events – and well done to the GBGB for releasing the Calendar early to help trainers plan campaigns.

 

“Now, I’m not saying everything is perfect – of course it’s not. Greyhound racing still has plenty of work to do, but you sense that’s the case with most other sports. It’s tough out there – and the increasing cost of living will not make it easy.

 

“Prize-money generally needs to improve, but having said that it’s been good to see the £20,000-to-the-winner competitions coming from Premier Greyhound Racing. That has raised the bar and you like to see a time when every Category One was worth that.

 

“It’s all about sponsors and bookmaker support – but there’s competition it seems now and hopefully everyone can keep pushing each other. Certainly, as a trainer trying to win the big races, I know there’s plenty of competition out there!

 

“I don’t need to mention any names, but just have a look at the names of the trainers behind us – top, top trainers with great experience and talent. It’s good to see some younger trainers doing well, too, guys like Tom Heilbron and Nathan Hunt.

 

“It’s not easy for any of us. We know the amount of graft that goes into running a kennel – whether that be for graded racing or open racing. We do both, of course, with graded runners at Suffolk Downs – and the staff here do a great job fulfilling our commitments.

 

“I’m lucky to have the team I have – and we’re all kept in check by Linda!” added Wallis of Linda Jones, his mother-in-law and a former champion trainer herself. “She still helps out where she can – and keeps in touch via RPGTV, especially when we have runners.

 

“People still talk about when she won the Trainers’ Championship on Sky at Walthamstow in 1999, so I’m delighted to report she’s still in good form!”

 

Asked for his highlights on the track of 2022, top sprinter Gougane Jet is never far from his thoughts. “I thought he was great last year,” said Wallis. “He was so consistent and difficult to beat – and to win our first Scurry Gold Cup and then the National Sprint was brilliant.

 

“We won six Category One competitions and kicked off the year brilliantly with one of our favourites Ivy Hill Skyhigh winning the Blue Riband. Rail Mccoy (Golden Sprint), Blueberry Bullet (Yarmouth St Leger), Antigua Sugar (Juvenile Classic), Hopes Paddington (East Anglian Derby) and Minnie Bullet (Puppy Oaks) were our other Cat One winners.

 

“All deserve special mention, but I’d like to single out Rail Mccoy. He was such a great dog for us, winning two major events at Romford last year, but unfortunately suffered an injury which looked quite bad. I’m also glad to report he’s very much on the road now and set for a happy retirement. He was a star for us and his owners.

 

“We said goodbye to a few of our kennel stars this year, the likes of Ivy Hill Skyhigh and Aayamza Royale, in particular. Both went off to sofas and the paddocks – with lots of pups for Lydia! We’re all looking forward to see her offspring on the track.

 

“Overall I’d say 2022 was a good year for us racing-wise – and it’s been good to keep up the momentum from 2021. We’d lost the title to Patrick (Janssens) in 2020 and I was keen to get it back – even though Patrick, Cheryl and the family are good friends!

 

“We go again in 2023 and will again be targeting all the major events. The big races drive myself and the staff on, although once again family plays a huge part, so special thanks to Sarah, Daniel and Emily for all their hard work and support.

 

“And don’t worry Sid (Huett), I’m not forgetting you. Sid’s our head kennelhand and keeps reminding myself, the rest of the staff and the wider world about that! In all seriousness, Sid’s a great character and known to everyone in the sport.

 

“He remains a valued member of the team and I’m lucky to have him – I think!”