Caption: Tracy Kunde was a much-loved member of the Capalaba ‘family’ (Photo: Just Greyhound Photos)
Capalaba Club wrap with PAT McLEOD
Some days just hurt too much to think about.
August 14, 2022, at the boutique south-east Queensland straight track, Capalaba, is one of those days.
That’s the day the fiercely parochial club lost one of their own – trainer Tracy Kunde.
It hurts talking about that day, thinking about it, but as club president John Catton explains: “It’s still raw, but we need to explain what Tracy meant to this club.”
Tracy, a hobby trainer who regularly had dogs racing at Capalaba, that day had Pink Flyer in the sixth.
However, he failed to arrive at the kennels for that race. He was located unresponsive in his car.
An ambulance was called as attempts to revive him, including using the on-track defibrillator, were carried out.
Unfortunately, Tracy passed away.
“We have fought a lot of hardships in recent years, but this really hurt,” said Catton.
“Tracy was one of us. He was a passionate greyhound man and a great volunteer for the club. He was a fencer by trade and did so much work around the club.
“When we were hit by the big flood early this year he was the first here, ready to get the track back up and running. He was always here doing something to help out.
“He was a genuine bloke … a really good bloke, everyone thought highly of him.”
Catton paid tribute to all who assisted that day.
“Everyone was amazing,” he said. “From those here who tried to revive Tracy, to all others who played a role that day – club staff, volunteers, fellow trainers, stewards, police and ambos.
“We just wish the outcome was different.”
Since the tragedy, Catton said the club had also left no stone unturned to support those at the club involved on the day.
The club has held a moment’s silence in honour of Tracy and have planned to instigate a lasting memorial in his honour.
Catton said the club would also work with Tracy’s family to carry out any wishes they may have in relation to greyhound racing and the Capalaba Club.
“He was also part of our tight-knit family,” said Catton. “And he will always be remembered here.”
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As Chase goes to print Capalaba’s (and Queensland’s) hopes in the National Straight Track Championship final at Richmond – Milligan (Box 8) and Bogie Fury (Box 3) – will have had their moment in the sun.
Milligan continued trainer Tony Brett’s amazing winter big-race successes when he won the State final in a scorching 19.59 ahead of Bogie Fury (Ryan Ayre) and Ninetymile King (Bianca Whitford).
Milligan then trekked south for a flying 17.59 trial at Richmond, while Ayre decided on a home trial for his finalist, who also looked in great shape with a 19.59 outing at Capalaba.
Both Queensland dogs were genuine national contenders, with Milligan’s stats at $73,445 prizemoney from 16 wins and five placings from 27 starts. While Bogie Fury had compiled $70,975 from 28 wins and 14 placings in his 50 starts.
Capalaba track manager Erin Cameron said the club was rapt to have the two representing the club and state.
“They are both quality dogs,” she said. “It is great to have the straight track as part of The Nationals and it will be even better to have a Queensland winner.”
(Pictured: Tony Brett and handler Sarah Johnson with Milligan after his Capalaba win.)
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The quality racing doesn’t stop at Capalaba.
Many trainers consider the straight track as vital to the schooling of young dogs and so the September Young Guns (heats September 4 and Final September 11) will hold special significance.
That will be followed by the very popular Chicka Scott Appreciation on September 11, the Capalaba Grand Prix (Heats September 18 and Final September 25) and then of course the Capalaba Cup comes around (Heats October 2, Final and Consolation October 9).
