Secret Story chasing another chapter of glory

By Josh Spasaro

From the moment owner and breeder Michael Jones first saw Secret Story run, he knew he had something special.

The chaser will line up in yet another Final when he jumps from box six in the Queensland Straight Track Championship Final at Capalaba on Sunday.

The black dog has finished runner-up in his past four starts, including a 19.63 second effort, which was two-and-a-half lengths behind Big Al’s for Warren Nicholls in his heat last Sunday.

“Let’s hope that brings him one step closer to winning,” Jones said.

And, win he certainly did during an unforgettable 2025.

The straight track specialist capped a brilliant year by saluting in the Group 2 Capalaba Cup.

Other feature victories included the Michael Miller Memorial, Capalaba Young Guns, Chicka Scott Appreciation and Capalaba Derby, among others, in recent times. 

“It was amazing, it really was. All our family and friends were watching. He was in a purple patch and going so well,” Jones said.

“You always hope you get dogs like that, but you don’t ever know whether you will. 

“It was extremely satisfying and it was great to watch. Not just for myself but for family, friends and everyone involved with him over the years. 

Boasting such an envied resume as a juvenile chaser, indeed it was no secret that Secret Story possessed so much early talent for Jones.

“From the very first time he trialled, he went well. He broke in well, really fast and from his first trial he was quick,” the New South Wales-based breeder said.

“He’s always been quick. He had a couple of injuries when he was younger before he started racing, which set him back.

“But, he’s always been fast and he’s always been a good dog. His record shows that he’s been a good dog. We’re very lucky to have him.”

Secret Story is by Shima Shine and out of Ice Cream Story.

Jones raced Ice Cream Story who picked up 15 wins from 45 starts and $93,845 in career prizemoney.

The Capalaba Cup champion is the standout of her progeny.

“Ice Cream Story has been fantastic. She’s always lying on the couch next to me,” Jones said. 

“She was a fantastic race bitch. Unfortunately, her career got cut short. In my opinion, she would’ve achieved a hell of a lot more.

“But, that’s the way it goes. She’s lying on the couch watching TV, so she’s going just fine.

“She’s retired as a broodbitch. We’ve got other ones we breed out of.”

One of those other broodbitches includes Autumn Storm, who won the 2024 Ipswich Cup. 

“We’ve just had Autumn Storm mated and another bitch who raced up there called Prim And Precise,” Jones said.

“She made a few Group races up there in Queensland, as well.

“They both went to Fernando Bale. Autumn Storm is amazing. She’s a beautiful dog, too. She gets plenty of cuddles every day.

“But, they’re all beautiful. If you spend every day of your life with greyhounds, they’re all beautiful.

“Some are faster than others, but that’s not what it’s all about.”

Secret Story will also have kennelmates Zipping Kravitz, Sheriff and Armarta lining up in the Queensland Straight Track Championship Final at Capalaba on Sunday.

Sheriff and Armarta finished first and second respectively in the Straight Of Origin Final on June 28. Zipping Kravitz has won three of his past six starts.

Jones is confident his dog can prevail and qualify for the Group 3 National Straight Track Championship at Healesville in Victoria on August 28.

But, he knows it will not be an easy task in a high-quality field.

“Certainly, in straight track racing, he’s been in a lot of Finals,” he said.

“He’s won some and he’s been in a lot of them. This is another one on his resume. They’re always so hard to make, so we’re all really happy he’s in it.

“Just like everybody else in the race, we’re all hoping for our chance. But, it is a strong race and I think everybody in the Final would give themselves a chance at victory.”