Canya Exclusive's Egg Bid Ends In Heartbreak

CANYA Exclusive's Golden Easter Egg bid has ended in heartbreak with the son of Fernando Bale retired following a trial mishap at Wentworth Park on Tuesday night. 

Having his final hit-out before contesting Saturday night's second heat, where he had drawn box one, Canya Exclusive injured a metatarsal in the aftermath of the trial with connections electing to retire the reigning Group 3 Casino Cup winner.

"He may have been able to come back from it but when we weighed it all up the right call was to retire him," owner Nick Lalli said.

"Every trainer he's been with has fallen in love with him. He's a beautifully natured dog and is going to make a great pet. I've got two retired in the backyard but I'll probably squeeze him in and make it three."

Retiring as the winner at 15 of his 21 career starts, Canya Exclusive launched his career with nine straight wins in Western Australia for Steve Withers.

Stopper bone and hock injuries soon followed with the gifted sprinter spending an extended period on the sidelines before resurrecting his career in NSW with Michael and Michelle Lil.

His career highlight came last November with victory in the Group 3 Casino Cup.

???? The 2023 Charcoal Inn Casino Cup goes to Canya Exclusive and Michelle Lill! ????

He's held off Magistrate and Gypsy Joker to win by 3 lengths, recording his 13th win from just 17 starts! ????

Full Results: https://t.co/XFX3oHKicM#thedogs #casinocup #greyhoundracing pic.twitter.com/MKH0vR3Abn

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) November 24, 2023

"He really could have been anything if not for injuries," Lalli said.

"At one time he was favourite for the Perth Cup battling with the likes of Crumble Monelli. He's been through a lot with injury and that's what made the decision the other night even easier.

"He's done all he can and deserves now to live his life out as a pet."

While it now matters for little, Canya Exclusive was to head into the Golden Easter Egg in sensational touch, following some brilliant recent efforts.

"Michael and Michelle were adamant he was going better than when he won the Casino Cup," Lalli said.

"Last week he went 24.05 post to post and in his box to box on Tuesday night he went 5.38 and 17.80 before injuring himself.

"I know Mackenna was in his heat on Saturday night but from box one they would have known he was there.

"It's just the highs and lows in racing. We never got to see the absolute best of him but the main thing is he's OK and going to have a great life post racing."