As Fernando Bale embarks on what may be his final campaign before retirement, we spoke to experts across the industry to share their thoughts on the greatest greyhound of his era.
Tom Dailly, husband of trainer, Andrea – The best race dog we’ve had. We’ve had a couple of dogs that were probably a bit quicker but than him but none that have been as consistent as him on the track. He’s the type of dog you dream of as a trainer.
Troy Little, expert form analyst on RSN – Racing and Sport – His anticipation and consistency at box rise matched with his breathtaking turn of foot make him an all time great! The way the Daillys have handled his preparation all the way and kept him peaking week in, week out is a credit to them.
Jason Cauchi, Greyhounds Manager, TAB – From a bookies perspective, we love and despise him all at once. Love him because his races were very easy to price – only one question – how short should he be? Also love him for what he has done for the sport during a difficult time. We despise him because he simply keeps winning… and taking money out of the bag. On more than one occasion we were reaching for the white flag!
James Van de Maat, RSN racecaller – He’s about the only greyhound that you can go into a race already having the call worked out. You know your phrases and how you’re going to call the race before it happens. As a rule as a race caller you shouldn’t do that but Fernando Bale is the exception. I’ve never seen consistency like this in a greyhound before and he’s a thrill to call.
Mark Duclos, Sky Racing greyhound expert and host of the Catching Pen – I’m fortunate that I am able to be ‘up close and personal’ with our canine superstars as I stand just metres away from them moments before they are placed into the boxes for some of our richest races.
Given that Fernando Bale is such an extraordinary chaser, the one thing I will say about him is that there is nothing extraordinary about his physique. He’s not overly big in comparison to other male superstars I have seen but the one thing I have noticed most about him, is just how calm and placid (read: focussed) he is behind the boxes.
He just goes about his business in a very calm and composed fashion; never pulling on the lead; never barking or jumping around; he really does appear to have a great temperament which is vital to being a great greyhound. Of course, once he is placed in the boxes, he is a different animal all together. The most flawless beginner in elite company that I have seen in my 40 years of watching greyhound races, Fernando Bale is a greyhound that gets your heart pumping just that little bit faster prior to the boxes opening – I guess in one way it’s to see if he has begun as brilliantly as he normally does or if the unthinkable has happened, and he has missed the start.
It took me a long while to label him a champion but there’s no doubt that he has earnt that title and Fernando Bale deserves to stand beside the champions of our sport as an all-time great.
Mick Floyd, Racing and Media Manger at Sandown Park – He’s the best I’ve seen in my time in the sport. His deeds on the track speak for itself – we’ll probably never see a greyhound like him again – but his popularity off the track that really elevates him to super stardom. Every time he comes to the track, crowds of people gather in the parade yard to get a look and take photos. He regularly trends on Twitter when he races, and engagement rates on Facebook are unprecedented. As a racing fan he’s a joy to watch, and is in every way a promoter’s dream. It’ll be a shame if the TAB Melbourne Cup is his final campaign, but what a fitting finale it would be!
Paul Westerveld, leading stud master who will stand Fernando Bale at stud – Fernando is without doubt the best dog I’ve seen in my 26 years involvement in the industry. His ability to consistently to dominate group races is unsurpassed. There is no doubt he will be inundated when he goes to stud full time, my phone literally hasn’t stopped ringing since word spread that we were collecting semen from him whilst racing.
He is no doubt going to get the best matrons in Australia which will give him every chance to make it at stud. The fact he is sired by an outcross, gives Australian breeders an opportunity to put some diversity into their bloodlines, which will hopefully also play an important part in his success at stud. His fertility is fantastic also and every matron mated so far has either had litters or is in pup that I’m aware of.
What are your thoughts on Fernando Bale? Let us know via our Facebook page or send us a tweet @sandowndogs.
