Retired greyhound jetting to the high life

By Jordan Gerrans

From the racetracks of South East Queensland to high-rise living, greyhound On The Bayou is enjoying the 'suite life' in retirement.

The black dog had a fruitful racing career across the Sunshine State, winning eight races from 66 attempts, while also placing on 17 other occasions.

Queensland’s premier track Albion Park was where On The Bayou was the most prolific, claiming five races at the venue.

And, in retirement, he could almost overlook his former favourite track from his apartment where he lives with owner Jacob Steggall.

Not long after On The Bayou ran his last race in September of 2022 at Ipswich, Steggall contacted Queensland’s Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) about taking on a dog as a pet.

Steggall works in the car dealership industry and lives in an apartment at Hamilton in Brisbane, which is just down the road from Albion Park.

While Steggall initially had queries about if a former race dog would appreciate living in an apartment, he quickly realised that they were more than suitable.

On The Bayou now goes by ‘Jet’ in retirement with his companion Steggall.

“I wasn’t sure about getting one because he may not have enough room to run and stuff, but I actually looked after one of my friend's dogs that he got from GAP,” Steggall recalls.

“And, she was so easy to deal with in my unit.

“I went from there and was keen to get a dog so I emailed GAP and within a week I had Jet. I wanted a dog for ages.”

Steggall refers to Jet’s nature as being a ‘funny and cheeky’ dog who loves going in his apartment complex’s lift on the way to a walk to a local park.

“He definitely loves being in the apartment,” Steggall said.

“He is very quiet as a dog and adapted to going on walks in a busy area pretty quickly.

“He loves going on long walks now, he just wants to keep going and going, and he loves going in the car, as well, sticking his head out the window.

“I will take him to work sometimes, as well - the customers love him.

“He just cruises around, all my nieces and nephews adore him, all the family do.”

On The Bayou was prepared by Conrad Buhner, Clinton Thompson and Kerry Hoggan during his racing career which spanned between 2021 and 2023.  

April is National Greyhound Adoption Month and Racing Queensland will highlight a number of former race dogs thriving in retirement throughout the month.

In celebration of Greyhound Adoption Month, Queensland’s Greyhound Adoption Program next upcoming event in South East Queensland is Homeward Hounds on Saturday, 12 April at Albion Park Harness Racing Club from 9am.  

Click here to meet greyhounds available for adoption and apply to adopt online.