Greyhound enthusiast Harley has a morning to remember at Imperial Kennels

Mongys Wild meets his biggest fan

A greyhound enthusiast who has turned his passion into a career had a day to remember when meeting his favourite pooch as part of a special invitation from the UK’s top trainer.

Harley Jolley made the six-hour round trip from the midlands to Imperial Kennels in Suffolk - the headquarters of 16 times champion trainer Mark Wallis, and home of legendary racer Mongys Wild.

The 26-year-old became the first kennel hand to live with Down syndrome and be licensed by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) in 2025 when he was offered a job by brother-in-law and professional trainer Simon Deakin.

After relocating to the midlands from Cornwall following the passing of his parents, Harley now spends his days walking, grooming, feeding and playing with the greyhounds in their care.

He even owns two dogs himself – Polerone Dee and Polerone Hottogo – and has paraded more than a dozen winners at Dunstall Park Greyhound Stadium in Wolverhampton.

After learning of his progress in the sport, Harley was invited by Liam Aspin – a kennel hand to Mark Wallis – so he could spend a morning in the company of fans’ favourite Mongys Wild, a Golden Jacket, Cesarewitch, St Leger, Regency and TV Trophy champion.

The pair shared a walk together, before Harley met other household names within the sport including Olympic finalist Newinn Deejay, Gold Collar third Rackethall Brute and Coronation Cup champion Fabulous Sonique.

“Harley loves his greyhounds,” said Deakin.

“It was an incredible opportunity for him to get up close and personal to some of the stars of the sport, and we thank Liam, Mark and the whole team for being so accommodating.

“To take Mongys Wild out on a walk will be a memory which lives with Harley for a long time, and he did a fantastic job too considering the local wildlife was out in force!”

Walking a champion greyhound is the latest item to be ticked off Harley’s bucket list.

He has previously addressed world leaders at the United Nations, and even won gold at the Special Olympics where he plays Boccia.

Despite this – and previous careers in the police and in retail while he lived in Cornwall - Harley struggled to find employment when moving to the midlands, which prompted his route into racing.

Simon added: “Greyhound racing is for everyone.

“We need to think ability, not disability. Harley is a shining example of what can be achieved and I hope his story might encourage more people to consider visiting their local track, and potentially getting involved in the sport.

“We’re very proud of everything Harley has achieved, and I think he is a credit to our sport.”

Liam Aspin, kennel hand at Imperial Kennels, added: “It was a pleasure to welcome Harley to Imperial Kennels.

“His story resonated with a lot of people in greyhound racing, and he did a fantastic job walking Ned (Mongys Wild) on his routine Monday route.

“Greyhound racing attracts people from all types of backgrounds. But we all share an enthusiasm and love for the dogs, and it was lovely to hear Simon and Harley open up about that during their visit.”