Carleton’s team joins parade for Michael Miller feature

By Pat McLeod

Peter Carleton’s passion for greyhound racing isn’t fueled by the lure of the victory podium.

“Of course I like winning, who doesn’t,” he says with his trademark laugh.

“But, ever since I became involved with greyhounds I have fallen in love with them. Winning is great, but it’s not what it’s all about. 

“I am up about 5am each morning to take care of my dogs and I even enjoy doing it on these cold mornings. I just love being around them.

"They are fantastic animals.”

On Sunday, Peter and wife Kiri will have nine of their chasers racing at the boutique Capalaba track – another reason the pair enjoy the sport.

A total of seven of those will be competing across the five heats of the Michael Miller Memorial, for fifth graders over 366 metres.

At this stage Carleton isn’t exuding confidence.

“All of my dogs will be trying. They are fit and strong, but most will not be up to this class,” he says.

“But, there are a few there who may be in with a chance. Bug Me Not (race seven and box eight) only joined my kennel recently, but I have been impressed by the way she runs up the straight. She will do herself proud.

“Kingston Trick (race six and box one) is another recent arrival to my kennel and should go well on Sunday. 

"He is a good straight dog racer and just needs a little bit of luck. He is an experienced dog and certainly knows his way around a track.

“Rumble Twister (race nine and box eight) is another who would not surprise if she did do well on Sunday. She has only had a couple of starts at Capalaba, but at her most recent run there she led the field until about 50 metres from the finish.

“Hopefully she may be a little bit stronger this time around and could take a couple of tenths off her time and hopefully run a place.

“Also, Maps (race six and box two) has improved out of sight in recent runs. He won recently at The Q.”

Peter and Kiri are based on five acres at South MacLean, near Jimboomba, in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

They have a busy kennel of 11 race dogs, three youngsters who have just been broken in, seven pups and five retired racers.

Carleton explains that his entry into greyhound racing came via Hall Of Famer Tony Zammit.

“More than 10 years ago I decided I wanted to own a greyhound and I was told to start by having a chat with Tony Zammit,” the 64-year-old, retired electrician explains.

“So, I went to Tony’s place. He was very helpful and we got on very well.

“That led to me helping out at his kennels, trialing dogs. And, soon after I took out my trainer’s licence.

“But, from the moment I first became involved I have just loved it.

“Probably the best of my dogs so far has been Logan’s Run (14 wins and 20 placings from 79 starts).”

Carleton says racing at Capalaba is one of the highlights of his association with greyhounds.

“Whether it is trying to get a trial, or whatever, they are always there for you," he says.

“The Michael Miller feature is one of the highlights of the calendar there and like most trainers, you want to support it.”

Capalaba Greyhound Racing Club president George Clegg said the race, and the young man it honours each year, remain special with the club.

“Michael was an exceptional young man involved in the racing industry who was tragically killed in a car accident in 1998,” Clegg explains.

“This race was originally run at the Toowoomba greyhound track but was transferred to Capalaba when Toowoomba closed (in 2000).

“It remains a very popular race here and the five heats we have on Sunday is not unusual. Trainers and owners want to be part of this race.”