Australian greyhound racing enthusiasts have received the news of the legendary Fernando Bale’s passing at the age of 12 and a half. On Friday morning, November 21, Paul Westerveld, his caretaker at Meticulous Lodge, found the greyhound in distress. After a veterinary examination noted loss of mobility in the back legs and a critical medical episode, the decision was made to euthanise the legendary sprinter and sire.
Born on March 12, 2023, Fernando Bale rose to prominence for his exceptional speed and consistent performances. Trained by Andrea Dailly for the Wheeler family, he became the first greyhound in Australia to surpass the million-dollar earnings mark in 2015. His career milestones include 35 wins from 44 starts and eight Group 1 victories.
Following retirement, Fernando Bale commenced stud duties at Meticulous Lodge. His influence as a sire has been substantial, with offspring winning tens of thousands of races and contributing an astonishing $205 million in prize money.
“Without doubt he’s the best sprinter I’ve seen. Just all class,” greyhound racing historian Neil Brown remarked, reflecting on Fernando Bale’s extraordinary career and impact.
Key career highlights also include victories in the Golden Easter Egg, Harrison-Dawson, Peter Mosman Classic, Maturity Classic, National Sprint Championship, Adelaide Cup, and Topgun. He also claimed Group 2 wins at the Traralgon and Bendigo Cups, plus a Group 3 Bill Collins Memorial, and was famed for a memorable narrow defeat in a Melbourne Cup race.
Fernando Bale’s Adelaide Cup triumph in October 2015 marked him as the world’s first greyhound racing millionaire, with final prize money tallying to $1,299,370, second only to Fanta Bale on Australia’s all-time list.
Authoritative voices in the sport have credited him as the best sprinter of his era, underscoring his legacy as both a superior racer and a transformative sire for generations of racing dogs.
Author’s summary: Fernando Bale’s legacy as Australia’s premier sprinter and influential sire endures, with a record of 35 wins from 44 starts and over $205 million in prize money earned by his progeny, cementing his status in racing history.