Paul Wheeler has cancelled his TAB Melbourne Cup plans for Xylia Allen and retired the versatile champion.

Xylia Allen went from being a triple Group 1 winning sprinter to a top class stayer this year, on the way to becoming Australian greyhound racing’s highest ever prize money earner ($743,000).

Upon discussions with Wheeler, trainer Jenny Hunt had dropped Xylia Allen back in distance in recent weeks in preparation for the TAB Melbourne Cup, victory in which would have taken Xylia Allen’s winnings well beyond $1Milllion.

However, Wheeler had a change of heart.

“She’s not injured and she is perfectly healthy, but I thought she was flat in her past couple of runs so the time was right to retire her.”

“She’s now living a life of luxury here on our property along with (star stayer) Dyna Willow, who has also been retired for breeding.”

“The two of them are the best of mates,” he said.

Wheeler said that while the star pair are both destined for breeding, he was yet to choose sires for either of them.

“I like to pick sires that are superior race dogs to the dam, but in Xylia Allen’s case it’s hard to find one,” he commented.

Xylia Allen (Turanza Bale – Tayah Bale) retires with 40 wins from 83 starts to her name.

Dual Group 3 winner Dyna Willow (Collision – Horizon Bale), who was trained by Steve Collins, hangs up her collar and lead after 20 wins from 57 starts and $260,000 in prize money.
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Dyna Willow (5) in full flight and (top of page) Xylia Allen after winning the 2013 Macro Meats Shootout at Sandown Park. Pics Clint Anderson.
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Watch: Xylia Allen lowers Dyna Willow’s track record over 720m at Wentworth Park in April this year
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