Giltinan banking on Capalaba magic to ignite Boom Town

By Pat McLeod

Robert Giltinan is banking on some proven Capalaba ‘magic’ to spark handy chaser Boom Town back to his best, in a race that also has a special meaning to the Ormeau trainer.

Boom Town will exit box seven in the second of four heats of the Dr John Murray Appreciation series at Capalaba on Sunday.

It’s only the dog’s second race outing at the popular straight track in his 25 starts.

However, Giltinan knows what the venue can offer.

“He (Boom Town) has only had the one other start at Capalaba and although he didn’t run a place, he did break 20 seconds so I thought it would be worthwhile bringing him back,” he said.

“The drag lure at Capalaba seems to spark a dog back up. So, I thought I would bring him here and freshen him up.

“Also, when I saw that it was a race in honour of John (Murray), I wanted to be part of it.

“I used take my dogs to John. He was a very, very good vet, very well respected and just a really good person.”

Boom Town (25 starts for eight wins, 11 placings and $41,930 in prizemoney) is from a successful Aussie Infrared and Brockie Magic litter, bred by Warwick breeder Pat Gainey.

Giltinan has three from that litter – Boom Town, Jane’s Jet and Oscar Magic.

Jane’s Jet will contest the Final of the QGOLD Emerging Sprinters Final on the Q1 Lakeside on Saturday night.

“Jane’s Jet is the fastest of my three from that litter,” Giltinan said.

“However, Boom Town has better habits. He comes out and runs a beautiful straight line from whatever box he is in.

“I am not sure yet how good he can be, not top class, but I believe he will continue to be quite a good race dog.

“He is a good beginner, but he will need a lot of luck to do well in this race. He is against some very fast dogs.”

The Dr John Murray Appreciation heats have attracted a quality line-up - an indication of the stature of the man the feature honours.

Dr Murray wore an abundance of 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, as well.

He was a life member of the Brisbane greyhound club, on top of being inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Australian Greyhound Racing Association.

But, for the greyhound fraternity he was best known as an extremely knowledgeable vet and a kind and generous person.

Dr Murray enjoyed a close association with the Capalaba club. 

He passed away in 2022 aged 85.