Kylie has her own special Dr John story

By Pat McLeod

Like so many people in the greyhound industry, hobby trainer Kylie Raines has her own special ‘Dr John’ story.

On Sunday the Redbank Plains-based Raines has Hara’s Donny in the Dr John Murray fifth grade Final at Capalaba – a special tribute event to the much-loved and respected greyhound identity, who passed away last year.

But, that is not Raines’ special story.

“I am very fortunate to say that I knew Dr John,” she explains.

“Several years ago when I was living in Bundaberg I would regularly bring my daughter Pypier to Brisbane for doctors’ appointments.

“She has had quite a long health battle after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

“On one of the visits I also needed to take one of our greyhounds to a vet and Dr John was recommended.

“I dropped in to see Dr John, but explained that I couldn’t stay long because of Pypier’s appointment. He sensitively asked about Pypier and we had quite a chat.

“From then on, whenever I saw Dr John he would always, without fail, ask about Pypier. If Pypier was with me he would always have a treat for her.

“Besides being a great vet he was a really, really nice person. A kind, caring gentleman. I am proud to be in this Final. Very proud.”

Dr Murray wore numerous hats during his more than 50 years in the greyhound industry - Australian Greyhound Vets Association president, committee member of the Brisbane Greyhound Racing Club as well as dabbling in training and breeding dogs.

Dr Murray was a life member of the Brisbane club as well as being inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Australian Greyhound Racing Association.

Capalaba track manager Erin Cameron echoed Raines’ praise of Dr Murray.

“He was just the loveliest person,” Cameron said.

“Dr John was known and revered across the country, but he had a special place in his heart for Capalaba, which was fantastic for us.

“I am really happy to say that Sunday’s Final has resulted in a very good field from the four heats staged last Sunday.

“There are many chances including Kylie’s dog, and also Jedda Cutlack’s Sherwood, Rocky Rogue (trained by Jeff Crawford) and Chris Brydon’s Mercury.”

Hara’s Donny, whose eight career starts (four wins and three seconds), have all been at Capalaba, has drawn the red, however Raines said she would have preferred a middle box.

“I am not too worried about the draw, but he does gradually move to the centre of the track,” Raines said.

“He is a fast dog and has ability and is always trying to win, but he also only does what he has to do.

“That’s why I prefer him to be chasing a leader rather than being in front early. Sometimes he will get to the lead and then coast and then has to go up a gear again if he is challenged.”

Raines has a lengthy family greyhound history and has been ‘around greyhounds’ all her life.

She has held a trainer’s licence for 14 years, initially in Rockhampton, then Bundaberg and now has four race dogs in her care.

She said the move to South East Queensland about five years ago had coincided with some success, before a ‘horrible’ time.

“I had a couple of very good bread-and-butter dogs when I first came here,” Raines said.

“But, then they had some injury problems and that led to a horrible couple of years. But, now things are looking great again.”

The reason for the change of luck comes down to a blossoming relationship with the successful Jemma Daley and Tarquin Neal kennel, who are now based at nearby Park Ridge.

Raines said both her older teenage daughters, Pypier and Logan, had inherited her passion for greyhound racing and both had taken out a handler’s licence.

“Logan started to help out with Jemma’s kennel,” Raines said. 

“Jemma took her under her wing and has just been fantastic with her. It has been a great learning experience for Logan.

“Then because Logan had such a good relationship with her dogs Jemma asked if I would be interested in taking on a couple of their dogs.

“So over came Bank It Lenny and then litter brothers Hara’s Donny and Hara’s Tricky.

“They are all good dogs who have turned our racing fortunes around again.

“It is also great to have someone like Jemma to call, bounce ideas off and also get advice from. She is always ready to help out.”

Raines says she ‘loves’ racing at Capalaba.

“It is a great family day out,” she says.

“I have a two-year-old, Willow, and she has the best time there. The other trainers and club officials are very welcoming. Just a great atmosphere.”