Melbourne Cup hero Canya Mayhem has capped a remarkable season by being named the 2026 Sportsbet Victorian Sprinter of the Year at the Victorian Greyhound Awards.

The Jessica Hopkins-trained star earned the honour after establishing himself among the nation’s elite sprinters throughout the 2025-26 season. His breakout moment came in the Melbourne Cup, which he captured at just his 19th career start, before finishing a gallant second in The Phoenix and adding Group 1 success in Queensland.

Chair of the Victorian Greyhound Awards selection panel and GRV Head of Racing Operations Blake Reed said Canya Mayhem’s performances on racing’s biggest stages made him a worthy recipient.

“When you look at the races that define a sprinter’s season, Canya Mayhem was right at the centre of them. Winning a Melbourne Cup, finishing second in The Phoenix and then securing a Group 1 victory interstate is an outstanding body of work,” he said.

There was no shortage of contenders, with Phoenix winner Deadly Avenger, multiple group 1 winner Slick Splits and Australian Cup champion Dramatical also producing outstanding campaigns. However, Reed said Canya Mayhem’s consistency at the elite level ultimately set him apart, and if it wasn’t for a bob of the head, he could have easily been a Temlee winner too.

“To win a Melbourne Cup at just his 19th start speaks volumes about his talent, but what impressed the panel was his ability to keep performing at the highest level,” Reed said. “He repeatedly delivered against the very best greyhounds in the country.

“The Victorian Sprinter of the Year recognises performance on the biggest stage, consistency and impact on the sport. Canya Mayhem ticked every one of those boxes and is a thoroughly deserving winner“

In paying tribute to her star greyhound, Hopkins described Canya Mayhem’s 2025-26 season as “one hell of a ride”.

“He’s deserves it; he’s a Melbourne Cup winner forever,” Hopkins said.

“He wants to win, he’s so competitive, and I think that’s what makes him elite. He’s just improved in leaps and bounds.

“Summing up Canya Mayhem is hard, but he’s happy, he’s courageous and he’s pretty fast.”

Canya Mayhem was announced as the 2026 Sportsbet Victorian Sprinter of the Year at Friday night’s Victorian Greyhound Awards at The Meadows, recognising his achievements in races conducted over distances of less than 570 metres throughout the season.