CHAMPION Bombastic Shiraz has been immortalised with a spot in Victorian greyhound racing’s Hall of Fame.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Owned by Lal Lal’s Cairns family, the dog was inducted for his deeds on and off the track during an industry awards function at Crown Palladium on Friday night.
“There’s no doubt that (he) has changed our lives,” David Cairns said.
“He’s just something unique that happens and such a lovely natured dog with it all.”
Bombastic Shiraz was one of four inductees into the Hall of Fame, joining Alec Reid as a trainer, Tony McGrath as a breeder and Sydney Gem as a brood matron.
“It would be lovely if he gets into the Australian Hall of Fame and basically there is nothing else he can do in a lifetime,” Cairns said.
While trained by Cairns’ son Darren, Bombastic Shiraz won 18 of his 35 career starts.
His performances were highlighted by a stunning 2003 campaign in which he became the first greyhound to win the Melbourne Cup, Top Gun and Shootout in the same year, a group one treble otherwise known as the triple crown.
He was subsequently named the Victorian and Australian greyhound of the year, and upon retirement, furthered his brilliance by becoming a hit at stud.
Bombastic Shiraz was crowned champion stud dog at both state and national level numerous times before being retired from service duties last year. His stud fee started at $1650 in 2004 and ultimately rose to $8800.
tim.oconnor@fairfaxmedia.com.au