Paul Wheeler has enjoyed all the highs with Xylia Allen but he has only one emotion now her racing days are over.
The legendary sprinter-turned-stayer (pictured) has been retired, bringing the curtain down on arguably the greatest career in Australian greyhound racing.
Xylia Allen’s glittering career saw her earn almost $750,000 in prizemoney, 40 wins and a swag of big races.
Owner Wheeler said he was “relieved” Xylia Allen, who has been joined in retirement by fellow Group winner and kennelmate Dyna Willow, had finished racing.
"They could both have gone on but I thought they had done enough,” he said.
“Xylia Allen has done more than any greyhound you could ask for.
"They are enjoying the life of luxury and they deserve it."
A daughter of Turanza Bale and and Tayah Bale, Xylia Allen won on debut in October 2012 to set the tone for a phenomenal career.
In all she won seven Group races, including the 2013 Group 1 National Sprint Championship (525m), the Group 1 Peter Mosman Classic (520m), the Group 1 Brisbane Gold Cup (710m) and the Group 1 Sapphire Crown (515m).
In addition, Xylia Allen currently holds the Wentworth Park 720m track record, with a time of 41.53 set in the Group 1 Association Cup heats earlier this year.
Check out Xylia Allen's record-breaking Wentworth Park run here.
She earned $743,730 in prizemoney in total, making her the highest prizemoney earner in Australian greyhound racing ahead of Miata ($715, 508).
Her last race was at The Meadows on October 25, where she finished sixth.
Wheeler said his proudest moment with Xylia Allen was winning the Australian Greyhound of the Year crown earlier this year.
The owner also said he was now weighing up breeding options for the champion greyhound.
“I’m going through it all the time,” he said.
“The problem is that I would like to breed her with a sire who was better than her – but it’s not possible in this case.
“It may be an international greyhound – I’m not sure.”
He also said that Xylia Allen would enjoy a happy retirement alongside Dyna Willow, who also enjoyed a fantastic career.
The Steven Collins-trained sprinter won 20 races, including this year's Betfair Cup (720m) in a then Wentworth Park track record time of 41.74.
Wheeler said the pair would certainly enjoy a happy retirement.
"My wife is threatening to kick me out of the bedroom now to make room for them," he joked.
"I brought them back home (from their last race) and there were two greyhounds sitting together who have earned $1 million in prizemoney. That is not bad going.
"I was glad to get them home and give them the retirement that they deserve."
