The Everyday Life of a Greyhound Trainer: What Viewers Don't See

The spectators in the stands, seeking an adrenaline rush, enjoy the excitement before heading home. Some reflect on their winnings or losses, while others reminisce about memorable race moments, discuss the champions and underdogs, and make future plans. Regardless, after the thrill of race day, the return to normalcy awaits. 

During their next trip to the racetrack, they will again be treated to a spectacle, witnessing the eager greyhounds and their thrilling contests. However, what the audience experiences is merely the surface—a captivating display that results from the extensive dedication of trainers and their teams. These trainers’ lives are deeply intertwined with the greyhounds, beginning with the acquisition of a puppy or the birth of a dog, and culminating in the accolades and trophies that fill their homes, alongside retired greyhounds roaming the kennel grounds. 

A trainer's daily routine is a blend of meticulous record-keeping, discussions with owners and veterinarians, travel, training, and the countless tasks that come with the job. Being a greyhound trainer transcends mere occupation; it embodies a lifestyle. Embracing this way of life entails navigating significant emotional challenges, as dogs are unpredictable beings, and surprises—whether positive or negative—are always a possibility. 

In a series of interviews with Greyhoundstar, British trainers Mark Wallis, Graham Holland, and Pat Pomney reflect on memorable events involving their dogs, particularly those moments that required overcoming adversity. They share insights on how they manage their emotions and navigate critical situations in the unpredictable world of greyhound racing.

Dog injuries

Pat Rosney

Newinn Yolo, a promising dog with high expectations riding on him, was once the favourite for the 2015 William Hill Derby. He triumphed in two heats, but during the third, he collided with Farlo Blitz and sustained a broken bone, resulting in his elimination from the race for the main title. With an impressive pedigree and an unmatched dedication to racing, trainer Pat Rosney firmly believed that Newinn Yolo could seize victory in the Derby. The dog also had substantial potential for success in the Irish Derby and Select Stakes. However, fate had other plans, and after undergoing treatment, Newinn Yolo was eventually retired to breeding.

Another disappointment for Pat was the case of Take The Crown, who suffered a joint injury while racing in Sheffield. This story was particularly heartbreaking, as Pat and his wife Julia had raised and trained him; he had previously won the Stud Book Trophy in Nottingham and the Produce Stakes in Swindon. A son of Westmead Hawk, Take The Crown was a natural long-distance runner, and his trainer was confident he had a bright future ahead. Regrettably, his career was cut short, leading him toward an unexpected early retirement.

Mаrk Walles

With his signature humour, Wallis discusses how setbacks are an inherent part of the larger game they engage in. Both victories and defeats hold their own significance, even though the latter can sometimes involve unfortunate incidents with dogs. He recalls the case of Eye Onthe Storm, the 7-1 favourite for the 2010 Greyhound Derby. 

This dog had been the top performer in the kennel throughout 2009, winning both the Puppy Classic in Nottingham and the Gymcrack at Hall Green prior to the Derby. Just before the event, the dog's owner sought a meeting for advice after a potential buyer emerged, willing to offer nearly six figures for Eye Onthe Storm.

This was unexpected, as the dog had little value as a stud due to having one testicle positioned unusually high in his groyne. After contemplating the offer, Wallis decided to go along with the sale. However, the owner disregarded the advice and opted to enter the dog in the selection races.

Tragically, during the first race, Storm suffered a broken leg, and following treatment, his racing days came to an end. This heartbreaking turn of events left the owner grappling with the financial loss, while the dog transitioned to a new life as a pet, now running on the kennel lawn instead of the racing track.

When victory slips out of your hands

Graham Holland

The trainer reminisces about the 2008 Irish Cesarewitch in Mullingar, where two of his dogs, Farloe Jester and Hondo Dingle, advanced from the semi-finals to the final. Both were exceptional runners and strong contenders for victory. However, fate had other plans for Graham Holland's team that day. Farloe Jester experienced an unexpected mishap, getting his muzzle caught in the start box, while Hondo Dingle was distracted at the start and faltered in his timing. Ultimately, the pair finished fifth and sixth. Despite this disappointment, the trainer now adds this race result to his collection.

Mаrk Walles

Reflecting on one of his setbacks, Mark asserts that dog racing is a competitive sport, and those who can’t handle adversity shouldn’t participate. He likens his mindset to that of a poker player, allowing himself a few hours to come to terms with a loss before strategizing for the next competition.

Mark regards the 2014 season leading up to the English Greyhound Derby as his most significant disappointment. Aero Nemesis performed well throughout the qualifying rounds and secured a spot in the quarter-finals, entering the Derby as the favourite at 7-2. However, during the second semi-final, he struggled with the turn, “hit the wall,” and finished fourth, failing to advance to the final. Mark Wallis’s feelings during this time were undoubtedly difficult to articulate; he was profoundly disappointed. A week later, when Aero Nemesis participated in an invitational race, he clocked a time that surpassed the Derby champion, Salad Dodger. All that remains is a resigned shrug of the shoulders...

Pat Rosney

The trainer fondly recalls one of his dogs, Bower Hawk, a remarkably skilled stayer who just had a streak of bad luck. He finished as the runner-up in the 2010 St. Leger at Wimbledon, losing to Droopys Bradley, and then again placed second in the Regency behind Blonde Fletch. Bower Hawk was second once more in the Grand Prix at Sunderland, this time to the same competitor. In the 2010 Yorkshire St. Leger at Doncaster, he was leading the race and seemed on the verge of victory when he was knocked off his feet during the final turn. A true sportsman, he deserves a serene retirement and has likely moved on from his racing days. However, without a doubt, his owner remembers all of his remarkable achievements.

People and dogs

Graham Holland

Both the trainer's grandfather and father were keen greyhound racers. The trainer's father was a milkman who also ran the track at Weymouth, doing everything he could get his hands on: managing races, running a mechanical hare and training some of the dogs.

In 2006, Graham Holland began winning in Ireland. On the day his father died, two dogs won races at Shelbourne Park. Graham regrets that his dad wasn't there with him, he would have loved it. That was his farewell to his father.

Mаrk Walles

Greyhound racing isn’t just about the dogs. Behind each one there is an extraordinary man, like the late Mitch Millward, who owned several of the dogs he trained under Paul Young. He is remembered as a very good friend, the first to congratulate anyone on a win and the first to say a word of sympathy to the owner of a losing greyhound.

After his death in 2015, the Essex Vase race in Romford was renamed the Mitch Millward Essex Vase. Mark Wallis’s favourite moment was seeing his dog Adageo Bob win the race, which was just renamed in his friend’s honour.

When people pass away, only good things should be said about them, and rightly so. Willis believes he has managed to honour the memory of a remarkable man with his achievement.