Mark Wallis has been awarded GBGB Coach of the Year an impressive fourteen times, setting him apart as a true leader in the world of greyhound training. His dogs have achieved remarkable success, winning prestigious races such as the Greyhound Derby, St Leger, Grand National, Essex Vase, and Coronation Cup multiple times. Whether it's the TV Trophy marathon, Regency, or Champion Stakes, Wallis's greyhounds consistently come out on top in Grade 1 competitions.
It seems that Wallis possesses a special formula for success, allowing his dogs to consistently outshine the competition and solidify his reputation as a top trainer in the industry.
Family Business
Linda Jones, a dynamic and driven individual, founded the Imperial Kennels greyhound kennel in Lakenheath, Suffolk in 1989. At that time, Mark Wallis held a license from the Don Andrews kennel, where he and his father trained their dogs. After meeting Linda, who would later become his mother-in-law, Wallis was impressed by the friendly working atmosphere at her nursery.
In 1990, he joined the Linda Jones nursery as an assistant trainer. Throughout the years, Imperial Kennels saw a significant increase in open race winners - 132 in 1998, 212 in 2000, and 323 in 2002. Linda Jones and her kennel quickly became favourites in the English greyhound racing industry.
However, health reasons forced Linda to retire in 2005, leading her to pass on the nursery to Mark Wallis, who had since married her daughter Sarah. Under Wallis's leadership, the kennel continued to thrive, with notable victories such as Lethal Rumble's win at the Grand National in 2005. That same year, Wallis earned the title of coach of the year for the first time.
Each year of racing proved to be more successful than the last, as victories fuelled Wallis on, driving him to push for more. The support of his family and the welcoming environment of the nursery were key in achieving triumphs and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among the team. Wallis often credited his wife and children for their invaluable contributions to the success of Imperial Kennels. The nursery continues to embody the ethos of teamwork, respect, and hard work that has been present since its inception, with Linda Jones and Emily Wallis playing essential roles in maintaining the kennel's reputation through public relations and media contributions.
Coach of the Year
The Trainer of the Year award, established in 1961 by the press service of the National Greyhound Racing Club, is now determined based on points earned from victories in open races. Wallis first won the title in 2005 and went on to secure it again in 2008 and 2009, thanks to successes such as Jogadusc Ace's win at the William Hill Classic and Kinda Easy and Droopys Zach's impressive placements at the William Hill St Leger.
This victory cannot be easily explained. Despite the talents and resources of other top trainers in the UK, such as McNair, Janssens, and Hutton, Mark Wallis has maintained his dominance in the field since his eight-year championship reign began in 2012. Even when briefly unseated by Patrick Janssens in 2020, Wallis quickly regained his title the following year and has continued to outshine his competitors, earning a record-breaking 1,591 points in 2023. His success is truly remarkable and unmatched by any other trainer in the country.
The key to his success is still a mystery. While Willis has top-quality breeding dogs, other breeders also have greyhounds with impressive pedigrees. The level of care and maintenance in all kennels is consistent, as well as the training programs.
Similar to his peers, Willis has his own dedicated team and support system. He operates in the same venues as other coaches, working alongside them.
Willpower, the drive for creativity, effectiveness, and resilience are essential qualities for success in any industry.
Wallis may not be the only one with these traits, as the competition in greyhound racing is fierce with many energetic and ambitious professionals. It could be argued that Wallis was simply fortunate to have been born into favourable circumstances, but his success also required patience and hard work.