But his owners refused to accept that option and nursed the racehorse back to health, with the 12-year-old gelding now living at long-time connection Glenis Trevaskis's farm in Belconnen.

Alongside him live five current racehorses and four retirees. Trevaskis said You're Canny, Canberra's last Black Opal Winner, is enjoying life in retirement - spending his days spoilt and loved.

"He could have been euthanised," Trevaskis said.

"They told us that he'd never walk again and he'd be no good to anyone but we wouldn't accept that, we wanted to do everything in our power to not just keep him alive but assure him a good quality of life moving forward.

"We sent him to a friend's farm for three months and they nursed him back to health. When he came back to us they'd almost got him back to normal, it was an amazing turnaround and vindicated our efforts".

Trained by Gratz Vella, You're Canny raced for another two years after winning the Black Opal, accruing another victory and four more minor placings before a serious injury put an end to his career.

What happens to retired racehorses has been brought into the spotlight in recent years because of the 2019 ABC report into Queensland knackeries.

Team Thoroughbred NSW provides care and retraining for horses in NSW and the ACT that can't find a home, with 2018 Canberra Cup winner Almost Court being one of them.

Almost Court, formerly trained by Joseph-Jones Racing, has lived at Bart's Farm since departing the Thoroughbred Park stables in late December.

He's recently started ground work and will soon be reassessed for his post-racing life, with former trainer Paul Jones thinking the eight-year-old galloper is perfectly suited to become a companion horse.

"He's got a lovely personality. I'm not sure how he'd go in the other disciplines but he'd make a great companion," Jones said.

"Team Thoroughbred NSW send us updates periodically and it's very satisfying to see him happy and thriving.

"Some of the initiatives they have are so beneficial for both the horses and but also the community through their work with PTSD sufferers, the police and also the correctional services."

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Thoroughbred Park's flagship carnival will be held next weekend, with the Group 3 Black Opal Stakes to be run on Sunday - followed by the Canberra Cup a day later.

Trevaskis said You're Canny's 2011 triumph left her with a feeling that has been unrivalled during her time in racing.

Sent out as an outsider against boom filly Karuta Queen, You're Canny produced a massive boilover which made the race caller cry "You're kidding!"

"Oh my goodness, I don't think I could ever put the feeling into words," Trevaskis reminisced.

"He wasn't given much of a chance on the day so we didn't have the highest expectations, you can imagine the celebrations when he past the post in front of Karuta Queen."