Smith To Be Cheering From Afar For NSW Origin Bid

A LITTLE bit of Jack Smith would like to see Albion Park continue as the headquarters of greyhound racing in Queensland.

But, like the rest of the industry, Forbes-based Smith is in awe of what has been produced to now be called The Q, the showplace of greyhound racing in Queensland, and maybe even the world.

Smith will be missing from State Of Origin 2025, which has not happened for years.

Jack has dominated the carnival, firstly with Feral Franky, then Jungle Deuce and finally Palawa King.

All three are now at stud such was their dominance of racing during their illustrious careers.

Since 2019, Smith has remarkably had 62 starters at Albion Park for 22 wins and a further 16 placings for prizemoney of $1.1 million.

Leading that charge was champion stayer Palawa King (Feral Franky-Maximum Dos) which twice won the State of Origin Distance in 2023 and 2024, but added the Group 1 Queensland Cup to his bulging resume.

FERAL FRANKY AT STUD

Jungle Deuce (Barcia Bale-Serena Fly High) won the 2021 Origin Match Race but also picked up the G1 Gold Bullion, G2 Flying Amy Classic and G2 Golden Sands during the Queensland Winter Carnival.

Feral Franky (Collision-Solar Pak) won the G3 Flying Amy Classic and was third in the G1 Gold Bullion.

At Origin level, he won the 2019 Match Race, downing local hope Infrared Star.

"Yes, we wish we were there (at the State of Origin carnival), but we are not complaining," Smith said.

""We've been watching the racing at The Q on TV.

"It looks pretty good and they all seem to be getting their chance and that's what you want.

"But, Albion Park was pretty special for us over a long time.

JUNGLE DEUCE AT STUD

"Every time we went there we seemed to win. Even back with Little Digger and Irinka Lizzy who won there as well."

This year, Smith will be watching anything by Feral Frankly to give it a cheer home, and that will centre on last Saturday night's G1 Flying Amy Classic winner Sooty Keeping.

"We'll be cheering her home for sure," he said.

Of his chances to get back to Queensland, this time at The Q, Smith says some nice young pups in the kennel have potential.

"We've got a nice dog called Magpie Hector," Smith said.

PALAWA KING AT STUD

"He won his first start at Temora by almost 12 lengths, but he looks like he's got Palawa King's box manners.

"At his second start, he came out ordinary and had to settle for second. He's got a big motor."

Magpie Hector is by Feral Franky out of Foxy Bourbski.

"Those old dogs, Franky, Deuce and Palawa were all good travelling dogs, and good hard chasers," Smith said.

Feral Franky continues to be popular at stud serving 10 bitches just last month.