By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Corio greyhound trainers Tom and Andrea Dailly experienced the highs and lows of the sport last week with their top dog Dyna Double One.
The black greyhound took out the $250,000 Australian Cup but was retired to stud by his owners almost immediately afterwards.
In the process Dyna Double One became only the third dog in greyhound history to earn $1 million after also winning the Melbourne Cup last November.
It was the first time the cups double had been taken out since 1980.
Dyna Double One finished his career with 54 starts for 31 wins, nine seconds and six thirds with a staggering $1,160,316 in prize money.
The winnings were second only to his recently retired kennelmate Fernando Bale ($1,299,370), also trained by the Dailly’s.
“He was a one in a generation type dog,” Tom Dailly told Geelong Indy.
“Of course we are rapt that he won but he became a victim of his own success.
“They are hard to find but we have to cop it on the chin and keep going.
“The dogs become part of the family and it’s a bit of blow when they move on.”
Dyna Double One was only a pup when he arrived but immediately showed a lot of ability, Mr Dailly said.
Daughter Korie Henrich, who works closely with the dogs at the Dailly’s Anakie farm, said she was devastated by the news.
“Once again the time has come where we have to say our goodbyes,” Korie posted on social media.
“I hope you enjoy retirement as much as you enjoy being in our kennel. It’s been an honour having you even with your constant barking and kangaroo leaps up to my face.
“By far the most entertaining dog to watch on and off the track.
“I’ll miss you more than ever and I hope your new home gives you as much kisses and cuddles as I do. You are a dog I will never forget.”