George Dailly has kept the door slightly ajar that we may see a little more of record-breaking Fernando Bale before his likely retirement.
The superstar Victorian has made history by becoming the first greyhound anywhere to break the $1m prize money mark, courtesy of his brilliant victory in last Friday night’s Group 1 Classic Triple M Adelaide Cup (515m).
Fernando Bale reached the landmark in typically dominant fashion, cruising to victory by more than eight lengths to seal a remarkable 10th Group title of 2015.
Owner Paul Wheeler has indicated that the champion may be retired to stud after next month’s $420,000-to-the-winner Group 1 Melbourne Cup, which will be decided on November 20.
Kennel spokesman Dailly said though that the Group 2 Ballarat Cup, which starts with heats on November 25, could be a possibility.
“I think he would get a $50,000 (Country Cups) bonus if were to win that,” he said. “We might be able to talk Paul into running in that.
“You are probably talking to the wrong man (though). You had better talk to Paul about that.
“I would like to see him running forever (but) as long as the dog can keep his form and health, that’s all I care about. “
Despite the hot field in the decider, Fernando Bale was the short-priced $1.35 favourite and duly won easily after jumping in typically bullet-like fashion.
The son of Kelsos Fusileer and Chloe Allen, who has captured the attention of greyhound racing fans across the world with his exploits this year, was roared home by a large crowd at Angle Park.
“You would like everyone in greyhound racing to experience a night like that,” Dailly, brother-in-law of trainer Andrea Dailly said. “It was like a grand final.
“You know with him that when he gets to the lead, it will take a good greyhound to run him down.
“I remember a few years ago someone asked (my brother) Tom what would he would like to have (to train). He said, ‘a champion’ – and we’ve had one with him.”
Local Lachlan Brown ($26) produced a mighty run to finish second, with Kayda Shae ($6) third.
The win extended Fernando Bale’s record to an incredible 31 wins and four minor placings from 38 starts.
He has won 23 of his last 25 starts, while his title haul includes an amazing seven Group 1 titles.
Fernando Bale will likely next be in action at the $150,000-to-the-winner Group 1 Topgun, which takes place at The Meadows on October 24.
The finalists for the invitational Topgun will be announced on Sky Racing 2’s The Catching Pen on Tuesday night at 6.30pm.
