On Saturday, Imperial Kennels landed their fifth ‘Trainers Championship’ Meeting – under its new name of Judgement Night – having been contenders for 21 consecutive years.
Mark Wallis with the Trainers Judgement night trophy Photo: © Steve Nash
Having set the ball rolling when head lad to Linda Jones who caused a 100-1 shock, son in law Mark Wallis picked up his fourth winner’s check.
As usual with the multi time champion trainer, there was some shrewd runner placement.
Only one of the six runners went to traps as favourite (Antigua Cuddles – 1st 4-6), but two wins, two seconds, a third and a fourth realised 52 points – seven clear of another handler with a close connection to the Lakenheath kennel, Patrick Janssens.
Mark said: “Last year was a bit rushed which was a shame, but at least they put it on. This was much better.
“I think we were second favourites at the start of the night, but it is an event with a shocking record for winning favourites. Overall, it was a fabulous occasion. Monmore was absolutely heaving, the atmosphere was great, and I think everyone I have spoken to at Towcester or Suffolk Downs since, watched the meeting.
“Given how popular it is, I do wonder whether the meeting could be expanded in some way. Perhaps an invitation race for six young trainers?
“I know some people think the competition is elitist, but for up-and-coming trainers, I think it is something to aspire to. I saw Tom Heilbron talking about it at the start of the year, so that can only be good. I remember looking at the old trophy and seeing my name up there with the likes of Charlie Lister and Nick Savva and felt very proud.
“I like the format. Ideally I would prefer it was back to eight races instead of six, but I can understand how that would make it tougher for the smaller kennels.
“I was also originally a bit skeptical about there being a maiden instead of another standard distance. But in hindsight, it gives a chance to get some unexposed dogs involved which is interesting.”
ANTIGUA CUDDLES goes clear early to win the Judgement Night Bitches for Mark Wallis, signalling a turnaround in the points table after Patrick Janssens had established a healthy lead Photo: © Steve Nash
It is a little known fact that Mark Wallis took the first ever runner to traps for a trial at the old Mildenhall and is loving life at the revamped Suffolk Downs.
Mark recalls: “I had a kennelhand’s licence with Don Andrews some time before I worked for Linda. My dad had a couple of dogs with Don and I took him to traps for the first ever trial when it first opened.
“It is literally 10 minutes from our kennels and I jumped at the chance to come back when it re-opened. We are dual attached with Towcester but the Suffolk Downs contract is important when it comes to making the kennel pay.
“At 388 metres, it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea as a racing circuit but it definitely suits some dogs better than either Henlow or Towcester. My biggest frustration has been the lack of six bend races but I was told today that work has started on installing the 545m traps.
“We have some dogs that are crying out for the longer distance, and besides, it makes racing more interesting.
“I would also want to make a comment about the racing kennels which are absolutely beautiful and such a massive step up from what was there before.”
But there is one aspect of racing at Suffolk Downs that appeals to Mark above all others.
He said: “It is without doubt the friendliest track I have ever worked at – by far. Every one of the trainers gets on, they are such a friendly bunch and although there aren’t any crowds, I look forward to going racing there.
“In fact, RPGTV presenter Jason Barrasford made me smile the other day with a quip when Emily and Daniel were parading dogs at Monmore. Something about ‘the trainer leaving the staff to do the work’. I thought to myself, I had twelve bloody dogs all on my own at Suffolk Downs yesterday.”
Mark’s views on the introduction of the GBGB’s new three day rule are mixed, though overall he is not in favour of it.
The 12 time champion trainer said: “I understand why it was brought it. It was there to protect dogs from track owners and racing managers who were short of dogs and decided to make use of the dog sooner than was ideal. I get that, and the welfare implications.
“But I do think it should be down to the trainers to decide when their dogs run. I’ve had dogs, particularly sprinters, who could easily run every three days, at least for a short time. In my view, a better solution would have been a ’48 hour rule’.
Mark Wallis is joined by family, kennel team, and owner Nic Jeal with his family for the presentation of the Judgement Night trophy by Premier Greyhound Racing chairman Lord Lipsey. Photo: © Steve Nash
