GBGB is delighted to announce that Mark Wallis is 2024’s Ladbrokes Trainer of the Year – the record 15th time he has won this Award – following a highly impressive 2024 run.

The boss of Imperial Kennels ended 2024 on 1,315 points to claim the Trainer of the Year title, 361 points clear of Patrick Janssens in second (954) and ahead of Liz McNair (880), Kevin Hutton (871), Tom Heilbron (836) and Maxine Locke (667).

Having first been named champion trainer in 2005, Mark won again in 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023 – a truly extraordinary record.

A standout 2024 highlight for Team Wallis came on 14th December when they took home three Category One wins in less than an hour, with Proper Heiress and Garfiney Blaze both winning at Hove and New Destiny at Oxford.

Reflecting on this night of success, Mark said:

“That was amazing and can only happen because of great teamwork. Thank you to all who played their part – they know who they are! But the greyhounds are the stars and one I’d like to especially mention is Coonough Crow, who won the (Ladbrokes) Kent St Leger for us at Crayford last year. Crow was the MWD Partnership’s first Cat One winner in 2023 and a regular winner for us since – she’s thoroughly enjoying her retirement now.”

Mark’s star racers of 2024, including New Destiny, will be competing at the Trainers’ Judgement Night on Saturday 29th March at Perry Barr, up against greyhounds from the kennels of the other top six trainers.

Of New Destiny, Mark said:

“She was brilliant for us last year and we had high hopes of her getting the clean sweep at Romford in January’s (Coral) Essex Vase. Things didn’t quite work out for her but she’s top-drawer and really starred for us last year – a great points winner!”

On Wallis’ record-extending win, Mark Moisley, Commercial Director at GBGB, said:

“Congratulations to Mark Wallis and all his kennel staff on this fantastic win. This extends his astonishing record of winning this Award and further cements him as one of the all-time greats of greyhound training. We look forward to seeing what he is able to achieve over the course of 2025, following a strong start to the year for his kennels with wins in the ARC Cesarewitch and the Blue Riband.”