Brett Nye will repeat family history if he can claim Thursday’s McKenna Memorial final with Last Hurrah.
The McKenna is an event with sentiment value for Nye as his grandparents Jim Psalia and Norma Gost won the race in 2015 with Lady Toy (trained by Brooke and Jamie Ennis). Nye was on-track that night to accept the trophy with training a greyhound, let alone having a strong chance in that same race, just five years later was the furthest thing from his mind.
“Not in a million years did I think I could train a winner,” he said when reflecting.
After Norma’s passing in late 2018 Nye helped out his grandfather which led to his love for the sport and ultimately gaining his trainers license. Since picking up the collar and lead Nye has emerged as one of the most promising young trainers in the sport.
“I’m still pinching myself.”
His career could quickly take its next step if Last Hurrah is to convert from box 1 in the group 2 final.
“He lacked a bit of early speed over the sprint and for some reason when he races on those corner starts, especially from the inside, he can really accelerate.
“I’m very happy he’s got the red but he’s still got to utilise it. Him and True Detective might go toe-to-toe for the first 150m, I’m hoping he can pull away but True Detective is an excellent greyhound and last week again showed why he’s one of the best over the middle distance. It’s going to be interesting that’s for sure.”
Last Hurrah earned his reputation after a stunning last few months where he’s placed in his past 12 winning seven of them.
“Whenever I get him checked he’s pulled up a million bucks, that’s the reason why he’s been able to race so consistently.
He is the narrow favourite with TAB at $3.50.
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