Champion greyhound Palawa King ends career at stud
One of Australia’s most celebrated greyhounds, Palawa King, has called time on a glittering career that saw him crowned both NSW and Australian Greyhound of the Year in 2023/24.
Trainer Jack Smith confirmed the retirement of the five-time Group 1-winning stayer after the son of Feral Franky pulled up sore following a gallop on Monday morning.
With over $1.1 million in prizemoney and a CV that includes 31 wins from 77 starts, “The King” leaves the track as one of the true greats of modern greyhound racing.
Palawa King’s journey began with a maiden win at Bathurst in August 2022, but his career soon skyrocketed.
He would go on to conquer Group 1 races in four different states, including the Bold Trease, National Distance, Fanta Bale Super Stayers, Queensland Cup, and Association Cup.
Along the way, he also claimed three Group 3 titles and contested 17 Group finals.
2023 National Distance Final Replay – Palawa King
While his freakish finishing bursts captured fans across the country, it was his temperament and consistency that made him such a stable star.
Rarely missing a placing, he boasted an extraordinary 78% place rate and excelled over long trips, with 14 wins at 700m and beyond.
His final career victory came at The Meadows last July over 730m—an emphatic reminder of the staying power that defined his reign.
Bred and owned by Errol Hughes and trained throughout by Jack Smith, Palawa King now embarks on a new chapter at stud.
Fittingly, his legacy will live on through his progeny, with breeding already underway.
As the curtain falls on his competitive career, fans and connections alike are left in awe of a dog who gave everything to the sport.
Long live the King.
How much for a puppy