Brennan still after fast dogs in 'semi-retirement'

By Jordan Gerrans

Astute greyhound mentor Gregory Brennan has plans to step up the promising Rannoch over more distance following her 390 metre assignment at Q1 Lakeside on Friday.

The veteran trainer has enjoyed a charmed run with Rannoch over the last few months as the red brindle bitch has won on four occasions dating back to late December of last year.

All four triumphs were over 300 metres on the Q Straight surface, which included a personal best time of 16.32 seconds on December 30.

The daughter of Bernardo switches back to the Q1 Lakeside surface on Friday and adds an extra 90 metres to her racing trip.

She is already a two-time winner over 390 metres on Q1 Lakeside from nine attempts, which occurred earlier in 2025.

The South Maclean-based Brennan thinks Rannoch will eventually win races over 457 metres and potentially beyond.

“Rannoch, she's won her races over on the Q1 and now at the Q Straight,” the trainer said.

“So, she's a fourth grade now. It's going to be a little bit hard to place. But, the plan will be the 390 metre fourth grade race on Friday with the view then to build her up to 457 metres. 

“She'll get into fifth grade. So, we will just take it week by week with Rannoch.”

Rannoch has had two cracks at 457 metre racing at Q1 Lakeside, but she did not place in either event.

Brennan’s kennel was a busy place in recent weeks during the Queensland Golden Greys Summer Racing Carnival.

He often houses interstate star chasers for their campaigns, which included looking after Gold Bullion runners Irish Bill and Vista Weird.

With the carnival coming to a close, the experienced dog man will now focus his attention more so on his own team as well as spending time with his young grandson as he enjoys ‘semi-retirement’.

“I only have a small kennel at any one time, I have seven,” the veteran mentor said. 

"There's another break-in coming next week.

“I just potter around. I'm sort of semi-retired, I suppose. You always hope that you get a nice one through the kennels. The dogs are great.

“It's like a dairy farm doing greyhounds. You've got to be here at six in the morning. You've got to be here at 10 at night.

“But, it's a good pastime, greyhound racing. Stacks of good people in it, I’ve got great mates. It's good fun.”

On top of current kennel star Rannoch, Brennan recently debuted littermates Maverick and Dixie Dean at Q1 Lakeside.

The Sh Avatar and Ando's A Thief youngsters did not figure in the finish in their maiden public appearances but the trainer is hopeful there is improvement to come with them.

Dixie Dean is back at the track on Friday and has drawn the red alley over 390 metres.

“They are nice young dogs,” he said.

“We'll just play along with these. I have a team of young maidens here at the minute. So, we'll see how we go.

“We've had some handy dogs of our own. We bred years ago. We haven't had much in the last few years.

“But, now and again, you find one. And, that's the thrill of greyhound racing. Just to find that one that's a little bit better. That's what we all do it for.”

As Brennan notes, he is still after fast dogs despite winding down his training operation and he has a fair bit of optimism around some pups he is set to welcome into his team later in 2026.

“My mates and I bought some pups. They're up at a farm and they'll be home here by the end of May,” he said.

 "There are six pups out of a very good stayer that Michael Zammit trained Icy Eyes by the real good stud dog, Sennachie.

“So, that's something to look forward to for the latter part of this year. We will break them in and see what they're made of.”