By JASON ADAMS
Bruce Tycoon captured his and his owners’ first group race win when taking out the McKenna Memorial.
He sprung out of box two and set up a commanding lead and showed no signs of stopping as he went on to win by two and three-quarters in 34.10.
“He’s done everything right from day one. He’s free-for-all class at both city tracks, we’ve been looking to step him up to 595m for a little while but nothing was around until heats of the McKenna,” Peter Riley said. “I’d say he’s underrated but how can you underrate a greyhound that has won over $100,000.
“He’s a dog everyone would love to have in their kennel – he’s got a wonderful personality and just loves to race.”
Bruce Tycoon, or Bruce as he’s known to connections, exceeded expectations of his owner Gary Micallef.
“It was unexpected – I thought the red was going to be hard to beat. I didn’t think Bruce would run the distance as well as he did,” Micallef said.
Bruce Tycoon is owned and bred by the Odds and Evens syndicate consisting of Gary, his brother Phil and late father Charlie who passed away in March last year.
“Luckily dad got to see Bruce win his maiden before he passed away. I carry his ring when I’m hoping for some luck – I’m wearing it around my neck tonight. I also wore it when Bruce won here in March, which was on the anniversary of dad’s death. It’s a bit surreal.”
New Year’s Punch, Bruce Tycoon’s mother, now resides at Micallef’s mother’s house along with former top line chaser New Tibur, or Jimmy as he’s known at home.
“When Bruce retires he has a kennel waiting for him at my place,” Micallef said.
The McKenna Memorial is named in honour of the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club’s first administrator, Jack McKenna.
‘Mulga’ McKenna was regarded as a doyen of racing administrators in that era and held the position from the club’s formation in 1956 until he died in 1970.
The Sandown Greyhound Racing Club will celebrate its 60th birthday on Thursday 8 September.
