Sunburnt Highway, an industry hero who won more races at Wentworth Park than any greyhound in the history of the sport, who touched so many, and who truly was one of our most loved, has sadly passed away.
His part-owner and trainer Judith Richardson confirmed that the dog they knew as Billy, was humanely euthanised on Wednesday morning.
"Billy had developed hernias in his bowel and was unable to empty out,” a heartbroken Judith said.
"John and I are both heartbroken, but it was the humane thing to do because we couldn't bear to see him in pain.
"We are naturally heartbroken, what a champion he was, and what a fantastic ride he gave us.''
Sunburnt Highway with Judith and John Richardson
The son of Oaks Road and Where’s Kitty recorded a staggering 39 wins at Sydney racing’s headquarters.
He was retired from the track in May 2022, after scoring 51 wins and 47 placings from 152 starts, earning a hefty $355,675.
Off the track at stud, he only had one mating, with Zipping Twix, and a litter of 11 was produced. Of those all have reached the racetrack and 10 have own races, the most successful being That’s Our Gril who has won eight times from 18 starts.
Our thoughts go out to John and Judith on behalf of all those who were able to watch on and smile at the ride Billy gave the Richardsons and all of us.
He may have won 36 fewer races at Wentworth Park than Sunburnt Highway, but no dog has gone faster at the Glebe track than Dalwhinnie, who will return to racing on Friday at Richmond.
Dalwhinnie will exit box three in the $8000 to the winner Anniversary Cup over 520m, and will be having only his second start this year.
