Reigning McKenna Memorial champ Bruce Tycoon is back to defend his title.
Last year part-owner Gary Micallef (pictured above on right) was basking in the glory of his first group win as an owner. Since then he’s watched Bruce Tycoon continue to build an incredibly consistent career.
Without a group 1 win or a superstar status attached to his name, his career is one that very few greyhounds could compare to.
Since his triumph in last year’s McKenna he’s competed in 40 races and finished in the money in 23 of them. It’s been 54 starts or 15 months since he’s competed at grade 5 level.
Micallef continues to be amazed by ‘Bruce’.
“He’s been unreal and for a 4-year-old fella he’s still going really well. He’s been amazing,” said Micallef.
Rob Britton kennel representative Peter Riley regarded Bruce as a ‘4-year-old on the up’ following his Harrison-Dawson heat win in May – which was his 11th from box 1.
“He’s won 20 city races and he’s had to notch them up the hard way. He’ll probably race for the rest of this year then retire – he has a kennel waiting at my place,” continued Micallef.
Bruce was bred by Gary’s father, Charlie, who passed away in March 2015.
“Dad got to see him claim his first city win before he passed away. Dad loved Bruce.
“On the rare occasion I carry dad’s ring hoping for luck. I brang it for the Harrison-Dawson final, he ran last but you can’t be lucky all the time!”
Bruce is renowned for having one of the more colourful personalities at the Rob Britton kennel.
“He’s a bit of a showman, he loves the camera. When Fanta Bale won her first group 1 Rob and a few guys were taking photos of her rolling in the grass – Bruce decided to come and stand right in front of the camera to get himself in the photo. He’s got one hell of a personality.”
Bruce features in heat 3 of the McKenna Memorial on Thursday night and is equal $4 favourite – click here for latest TAB market. He meets kennel mate Flyrite and the all conquering Dundee Osprey who ran 2nd in last year’s final behind Bruce Tycoon.
“I’m glad Flyrite is drawn inside of him. I expect she’ll begin quickly, hopefully Bruce can follow her – I think he’s stronger. He’s got a very good chance.”
Top two runners from each heat and the two fastest thirds will advance to next Thursday’s $58,000 group 2 McKenna Memorial final.
Click here for Thursday’s fields
: Bruce Tycoon with connections after last year’s win
