Sometimes star greyhounds develop their potential rather than explode on to the scene, as Dyna Willow illustrated perfectly.
The dual Group 3 winner (pictured) and fromerr Wentworth Park record-breaker is enjoying a life of luxury after being retired for breeding by owner Paul Wheeler this week, ending a distinguished career on the track.
Her retirement was slightly overshadowed this week by news of kennelmate and legendary sprinter-come-stayer Xylia Allen also hanging up her collar.
Wheeler said both Xylia Allen and Dyna Willow, who finished with more than $250,000 in career earnings, would enjoy a happy life away from racing.
“They have probably gone as far as they could have gone,” he said. “They have done as much as I could ask of them.
“The two of them may have been adversaries (on the track) sometimes but they will be best mates in the kennels, that’s for sure.”
Dyna Willow started her racing days in low-key fashion, finishing sixth on her first start over 390m at Warrnambool back in February 2013.
She quickly picked up, though, recording the first of an eventual 20 wins on her third start.
Dyna Willow forged a great partnership with trainer Steve Collins, becoming a super interstate raider.
She won at races in four different states, proving what an adapatable and versatile greyhound she was.
The Victorian’s best moments came at Wentworth Park, including claiming the Group 3 Summer Cup (720m) in December last year.
She later added the Group 3 Betfair Cup with a stunning 41.74 run, shattering Miata’s previous track best of 41.81.
Click here to watch that run.
Two weeks later she set a new Wetnworth Park track record of 41.69 in the Group 1 Association Cup heats – a mark Xylia Allen lowered to 41.53 shortly afterwards.
Dyna Willow recorded her last win at The Meadows on September 20, with her final outing coming in the Sydney Cup heats at Wentworth Park last month.
The pair have both been retired for breeding, with Wheeler now assessing potential suitors.
Read more on Xylia Allen’s retirement here.
