Fernando Bale claimed his 10th consecutive victory at Sandown Park tonight, defeating a star studded line up in the group 3 Bill Collins Memorial.
Amazingly, Fernando Bale started $1.40 with TAB just a week after starting at $1.05 in the group 1 Harrison-Dawson, and the short price looked a luxury when the white and brindle flyer pounced to the lead at box rise.
Despite the efforts of a gallant Lamia Bale, Fernando Bale chalked up the 18th victory of his career in claiming the $25,000 first prize by 1.5 lengths in 29.23. It was Fernando Bale’s fourth group race win and took his prize money beyond $542,000.
“We’ve always had a handy dog but we’ve never had a champion, and while I wouldn’t put him in that category yet, he’s certainly headed that way. When you hear people in the crowd say ‘you’ll never see another dog like this,’ it’s really gratifying,” said handler George Dailly.
Despite speculation about Fernando Bale retiring to stud, Dailly confirmed his kennel star will continue racing and nominated the group 1 Peter Mosman at Wentworth Park as his next target.
“It was a bit of a shock when (owner) Paul Wheeler rang after he won the Easter Egg and said he was thinking of retiring him.”
“He said, ‘I’ll have a think about it’ then he rang back and said nah he’s just turned two and is too young to retire.”
Later in the night, Sweet It Is became the highest prize money earner in the sport’s history when she claimed her second RSN Sandown Cup title and pushed her career prize money beyond $800,000.
Click here to find out more about Sweet It Is historic achievement.
Click here for full results from tonight’s meeting.
Fernando Bale wins the $36,000 group 3 Bill Collins Memorial
