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End of an Era: Fernando Bale Dies at 12 - The Greyhound Who Rewrote History
The Australian greyhound racing world is grieving the loss of one of its greatest legends. Fernando Bale, widely regarded as the most influential greyhound in modern racing history, has passed away at the age of 12 and a half. His death marks the end of an era for the sport, leaving behind an unmatched legacy on the track and in breeding.
Fernando Bale Passes Away at 12: What Happened?
Fernando Bale died on Friday, November 21, after suffering a critical medical episode that left him unable to use his back legs. His longtime caretaker at Meticulous Lodge, Paul Westerveld, found him in distress and immediately sought veterinary attention. Due to the severity of his condition, the heartbreaking decision was made to humanely euthanize the champion.
A deeply emotional Westerveld shared:
“I’m just numb. He was my mate. He’s done so much for me but also for the industry.”
Who Was Fernando Bale? (Biography & Early Life)
Fernando Bale was born in 2012 and quickly rose to become one of the most dominant racing dogs Australia, and the world had ever seen. Trained by Andrea Dailly, the white-and-brindle superstar delivered performances that redefined what greyhound excellence looked like.
Biography Facts
- Born: 2012
- Died: November 21, 2025
- Age: 12
- Trainer: Andrea Dailly
- Caretaker: Paul Westerveld
- Titles: 8x Group 1 Winner, 7x Sire of the Year
- Career Record: 35 wins from 44 starts
- Career Earnings: Over $1.29 million
- Hall of Fame: Inducted August 2025
Fernando Bale Historic Racing Career
Fernando Bale racing dominance was immediate and unprecedented.
Career Highlights
- 44 starts
- 35 wins, including eight Group 1 victories
- First greyhound in Australian history to earn over $1 million
- Total prize money: $1.29 million
- Known for exceptional early speed, flawless acceleration, and unmatched consistency
In 2015, he became the first greyhound ever to surpass the $1 million earnings milestone—an achievement that changed the sport forever.
Fernando Bale performances turned him into a household name and set records that still define competitive benchmarks today.
The Sire That Changed the Sport Forever
Though Fernando Bale was a champion on the track, his post-retirement influence as a sire is what elevated him to legendary status.
Breeding Achievements
- Offspring won nearly 55,000 races
- Total progeny prize money exceeded $205 million
- Awarded Sire of the Year seven consecutive times
- His bloodline dominates modern greyhound pedigree charts
His ability to consistently produce elite competitors reshaped breeding standards across Australia and internationally.
Hall of Fame Recognition
Just three months before his passing, Fernando Bale was officially inducted into the Greyhound Racing Hall of Fame (August 2025). This honor cemented his status as:
- One of the most successful racers in history
- The most influential breeding sire of the modern era
- A cornerstone of Australia’s greyhound heritage
A Lasting Tribute: Museum Preservation Planned
To ensure that future generations understand his impact, authorities are arranging for Fernando Bale’s body to be preserved and publicly displayed.
Possible locations include:
- Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
- Sandown Park
This rare honor reflects his monumental importance to the sport, both as a competitor and as a bloodline patriarch.
Fernando Bale Legacy
Fernando Bale wasn’t just a greyhound. He was a phenomenon.
His career achievements, breeding influence, Hall of Fame honors, and unforgettable presence make him arguably the greatest greyhound of all time.
He leaves behind:
- A historic racing record
- A bloodline that continues to dominate
- A legacy etched into Australian sporting culture
Fernando Bale name will remain synonymous with excellence, speed, and the very soul of greyhound racing.
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About the Author
Praise Graciebby is a content creator on Essie Book Blog, where she writes celebrity biographies, sports updates, gossip, and trending news. With a passion for entertainment and lifestyle journalism, Praise provides readers with simple, accurate, and up-to-date profiles of public figures worldwide.
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