Caption: Flashback to ‘Bunny’ Brasch interviewing Peter Ruetschi at a Capalaba meeting.

Experienced race-caller John ‘Bunny’ Brasch previews Thursday night’s Albion Park race meeting:

We are back racing at Queensland greyhound headquarters, Albion Park, after a 10-day break during which work was completed on the tower that houses the broadcaster, lure driver, judge and other technical facilities.

And we return with the club’s Memorial Night – a program that honours past members of the Brisbane Greyhound Racing Club, who not only made a significant contribution to this club, but also the wider greyhound industry.

There is also special significance in Race 8, named after much-loved trainer Peter Ruetschi, as it is this week that we acknowledge the anniversary of his passing in 2017.

Peter was not only a very fine trainer, but also a great character, who died as a result of a car accident when he was travelling home from a Tuesday night Ipswich greyhound meeting. He was 56.

Those who were at the Albion Park Thursday night race meeting following Peter’s death will seldom have experienced a more sombre occasion – one of the most emotional evenings I have spent on any racetrack.

There was however a very special moment on that evening when the last greyhound to race under Peter’s name, My Awesome Magic, who was handled by Tony Brett on that night, came from nowhere to score an incredible win.

There was not a dry eye in the house when the numbers for that race went up. Describing the atmosphere perfectly, and adding immensely to the occasion, was the call of that race and surrounding comments by the-then Albion Park caller, the legendary Paul Dolan.

So, let’s see if we can pick some winners in honour of not only Peter, but also some of those who helped shape greyhound racing at this great club.

Race 1: In the opener we will go for (3) Wendy Rocks. She won on debut at Albion Park in 30.32 in early February. Has been runner-up in two runs since, but behind two very handy performers in Bogie Hurricane and Professor Snitch. Looks a race where she can get back to the top step of the podium. (2) Stone Cold Blue for second. Runner-up in the recent Vince Curry Maiden. Seven placings with one win from nine starts. Should be around the placings again. (6) Ringbark Razor for third and then (5) Hozier Monelli and (7) Sir Finley.

Race 2: We will go for (2) Jen’s Joy (Jamie Hosking). Strong win last start where drew away over the final parts and won by six lengths over the 395m giving the impression this 520m will suit. To beat (5) Canya Shelly, (4) Ninetymile Rose and (7) Bogie Hurricane.

Race 3: I’m going for (2) Samona for young trainer Josh Priest. Back in a more suitable masters grade on Thursday night than in recent runs. Looks the top chance. (7) Lily Monelli for second. It was a close second to Head On Bonnie at Ipswich last Thursday night. Then (5) Finglas, who ran a nice third last week at Ipswich.

Race 4: Just a field of four and we will go for (8) She’s Precocious. The small field will suit. Will be strong to the line. (4) Hidden Agenda for second. Winner in a fast time at Ipswich last Thursday night. Sure to figure again. (1) Tiki Bar for third and then (2) Barefoot Flynn.

Race 5: Here we will go for the very much in-form Ray and Mary Burman kennel with (7) Jewel Bee. Coming off a strong win at Ipswich over 520m last Thursday night when led all the way. Has won here over 600m from a wide alley. This race certainly suits. (4) Motivational (Jemma Daley) for second. Always a chance in this style of race. (2) Courageous Carol has been running on strongly in races over the extra distance and looks a place chance here. (5) Replication for fourth.

Race 6: Looks to be a wide open race with a number of chances, but will go for (2) Alpha Princess. Has been running some nice races in recent times. Ready to win. (8) Jupiter for second, (3) This Time Sara for third and (7) Whiskey Deluxe for fourth.

Race 7: Will go for (8) Villante who races for another very much in-form kennel, that of Chris Brydon – ‘The new King of Capalaba’! Worked home very nicely for second behind Phantom Jasper at Ipswich in its last start. Has won twice at track and distance and looks a race to suit. (2) Ally Gal for second. Better suited with this draw rather than recent outside boxes. (7) Mazikeen Smith for third. Other chances (3) Kasey’s Money and (6) Canya Bellatrix.

Race 8: The race named after Peter Ruetschi and we will go for (1) Cataclysmic as a special! Was good with its first look at Albion Park when second behind Hara’s Skye. Sure to be improved with that run on the track. Looks the best here. (3) Smart Houdini for second. Is always thereabouts in this calibre of race. Then (2) Black Magic Rose, who is looking to get back to her best form and (4) Showdown for fourth.

Race 9: Another special here. Looks a race in two between (6) Hara’s River and (4) Just Like Mick. But will go for Hara’s River, who was beaten last start by Hidden Agenda at Ipswich, but back at headquarters where it had won its previous two – over 520m and 600m. Unbeaten track and journey. (4) Just Like Mick is the likely danger. Then (1) Run West, which is well boxed, and (8) Blazing Smoke.

Race 10: The last race at 9pm, so an early finish. Hopefully we end with a winner – (4) Impress Us. Certainly impressed me with a fourth at its most recent start when not very far away after being caught wide from box 6 early and middle stages. Certainly pays to follow. (1) High Torque for second and (2) Some Idea third.