2002 AND COUNTING FOR MCKENNA

Ian Fortune

Owen McKenna has long been one of the best greyhound trainers in the land. A man who was born into the sport as a son of the late great Ger McKenna, who is seen by most as the best to ever put a lead on a greyhound, he had little choice.

Of course, he has trained some superstars over the years including two Derby winners in the form of 2004 champion Like A Shot and the incredible 2021 winner Susie Sapphire. Add to them the likes of Pestana, Catunda Harry, Ahane Lad, Farloe Blitz, Callaway Pro Am, Line Of Fire, Roxholme Bully, Boherduff Light, Farley Turbo, Farloe Rumble, Geldrops Touch, Leamaneigh Mags, Fiery Splendour, Si Senor, Yeah Man, Vanrooney, Thurlesbeg Joker, Colarhouse Gerry, Lughill Jo and it’s safe to suggest Owen has had more superstars through his hands than most.

But on Saturday night at Shelbourne Park, he achieved one of his greatest feats, sending out four winners to bring his tally of winners as a trainer to a whopping 2002. It was Callaway Annika that actually provided Owen with his 2000th winner as a trainer.

It’s hard to state what an incredible achievement it is. When you consider that Owen doesn’t keep a massive amount of greyhounds, instead focusing on quality over quantity, it becomes even more remarkable.

It was also a poignant week for Owen. Only a few days earlier on May 7th, it was the ten-year anniversary of the passing of his legendary father Ger McKenna. I‘m certain Ger would have been so proud of what his son has achieved in the subsequent years.

With a number of hugely promising youngsters currently in the kennel, including a few sons and daughters of the aforementioned Susie Sapphire, McKenna could be adding quite a few more winners to his tally in the near future.

One thing is for certain, Owen remains one of the best in the business and his ability to send out winners is stronger than ever. With the help of his wife Sian and children, Owen’s operation seems in a good place right now and I look forward to writing about his 3000th winner in the not-too-distant future.