With a quick “kiss and a hug”, the remarkable racing career of Victorian superstar Fernando Bale – arguably the greatest greyhound to ever set paw on the track – has come to an end.
The Andrea Dailly-trained champion greyhound (pictured) has been retired to stud duties after winning his final race at Sandown Park last Thursday.
Owner Paul Wheeler chose to retire ‘Flying Fernando’ after the superstar greyhound injured a back muscle while scoring his 35th and final victory.
The decision concludes a phenomenal journey for the son of Kelsos Fusileer and Chloe Allen, who became a worldwide racing star and the first greyhound in history to win $1 million in prizemoney.
Kennel spokesman George Dailly said his greyhound was already at the breeding barn, where he is likely to prove popular with breeders.
“He has been picked him up and gone back to Paul's already,” Dailly said.
“We gave him a kiss and a hug and that was it. I think you’ve seen that he’s been a bit below-par at his last couple of starts. He’s already been busy with stud work.
“Whether that has affected him, I don’t know, but I think this is the right decision. He’s done everything asked of him and I would have retired him if it had been my choice.
“Greyhounds like him don’t come along very often. I’ve enjoyed every minute with him.”
Renowned for his bullet-like starts and unmatchable will to win, Fernando Bale’s brilliant achievements include eight Group 1 titles and victories at seven different tracks across the country.
After debuting in October 2014 with a fourth place finish at The Meadows, Fernando Bale went on to enjoy a stunning racing career.
Fernando Bale scored his first Group 1 win in the National Derby at Wentworth Park last January (ADD LINK), with his final Group 1 crown coming in the Group 1 Topgun at The Meadows in October.
His other Group titles include the Peter Mosman Classic and National Sprint titles in NSW, the Harrison-Dawson, the Hudson Pacific and the Adelaide Cup.
He also produced arguably his best run to take out NSW's most lucrative race, April's Group 1 Golden Easter Egg, with a scorching 29.48 run.
His final success at Sandown Park last Thursday night took his final prize money earnings to $1,299,370 and his overall career record to 35 wins and five minor placings from 44 starts.
Fernando Bale also enjoyed a captivating duel with kennelmate Dyna Double One throughout his career.
After largely playing second fiddle to Fernando Bale in the big races, Dyna Double One finally shook off his bridesmaid tag with a thrilling victory over his kennelmate in their final meeting at November’s Group 1 Melbourne Cup.
“Greyhounds like Fernando and Dyna Double One certainly make training life easier,” Dailly said.
“You usually have to do so much work with your greyhounds just to win one race, but with greyhounds like him it’s just a pleasure to train.
“I can’t really pick out a favourite race of his – it’s just been a brilliant journey. He’s been the perfect racing greyhound.”
