Tommy Lapping Up Full Time Stud Career

IT is a compliment to the status in which Tommy Shelby is held right around the country that even before his retirement from racing was officially announced, he had been the stud dog of choice for 70 breeders.

His very first mating, back in July 2021, was to All Too Fancy (Larkhill Jo-Sweet Fancy) from the all conquering Dennis Barnes kennel over at Cudal in NSW.

All Too Fancy, the winner of 15 races, has been a broodbitch goldmine for the Barnes family producing such stars as Nangar Kash (26 wins, $113,000), Nangar Jack (24 wins, $98,000) etc.

It was fitting a producer of her quality should be the first mate for Tommy Shelby.

ICYMI: An Australian Cup for the ages saw WA superhero TOMMY SHELBY (4) overcome a tardy start to reel in the front-running FERNANDO BLUEY (6) in a bob-of-the-head finish @TheMeadowsDogs

Results ? https://t.co/lFNHuG7HIz

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— WatchDog Racing (@WatchDogRacing) February 27, 2021

Since then, the cream of broodbitches from breeding greats have lined up for Tommy's “favours”.

The son of Fernando Bale-Serena Fly High took his race record to 44 starts for 29 wins and 11 placings and the victory in the Egg took his bank roll to $1 million.

But what makes him better than any other son of Fernando Bale going to stud, or any other great race dog?

The fact he is from WA means he could really be something special at stud.

Consider just for one the fact he had to come from WA to compete against home town heroes when taking on the best races in the East.

Unusual surroundings, different water, food, the stress of being flown about the country … the fact he won Group 1s in three different states proves just what an adaptable dog he is.

That makes him a perfect stud dog of the future.

Tommy Shelby was the 2020-21 Australian Greyhound Of The Year.

Tommy Shelby is our newest million dollar dog after his brilliant win in the Golden Easter Egg!

Popular result too – how about the roar of the crowd! pic.twitter.com/SIUKMmcCbV

— Mick Floyd (@MickFloyd) April 10, 2021

He started 46 times for 30 wins and 12 placings for stakes of $1 million. These came from wins in the Group 1 Australian Cup, Group 1 Golden Easter Egg, Group 1 Hobart 1000, Group 3 Perth Cup Consolation and the state final of the National Sprint.

He also picked up a few minor finals on his home track at Cannington. But, he has been placed in the Group 1 Vic Peters, Group 1 Melbourne Cup, Group 1 Gold Bullion, Group 3 Gold Ticket and the Million Dollar Chase.

He's also been a finalist in the Group 1 Topgun, Group 1 Temlee and Group 2 WA Derby.

If those sort of performances don't command a successful stud career … then what does?

He is a son of Fernando Bale and his dam, Serena Fly High, was a high class race bitch and is a quality producer and she herself was out of a Group class race bitch and producer.

Tommy's littermates Jumbo Jet, Kirra Monelli, Steve Monelli and Withers Monelli are all extra smart gallopers.

All of them Group class.

And Serena Fly High, from her next litter by Barcia Bale, is the mother of Jungle Deuce (G1 Paws, G1 Gold Bullion, Dubbo TR, G2 Flying Amy Classic, G3 New Sensation, Dubbo Cup, WPk 29.31, Alb Pk 29.54, multiple G1 finalist).

For that sort of production Serena Fly High became Australian broodbitch of the year in 2021.

Tommy's sire was champion of the year, and his trainer Steve Withers trainer of the year.

It is none other than Tommy Shelby who has taken out the 2020-2021 Australian Greyhound of the Year Award! ✨

He is an icon who truly transcends the sport. ? pic.twitter.com/PdbsabX6br

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 7, 2021

Tommy's pedigree is hugely conducive to success at stud. He will be absolutely ideal for bitches with lots of Brett Lee and certainly Collision.

His damsire Bit Chili works fabulously with Brett Lee and he is also working great with Aston Dee Bee, to Group 1 level.

Tommy's second dam Sky Fly High is bred on the famed cross of virtual sisters Flying Amy and True Temptation.

Big Daddy Cool, as the sire of his second dam, means daughters of Fabregas will be a natural for him. Many of the best progeny sired by Fabregas have Big Daddy Cool and Token Prince (sire of Tommy's 3rd dam) in their pedigree.

And, Fernando Bale and Fabregas too have a great “nick” happening.

Zambora Brockie daughters are also a MUST for Tommy. That's because he has Trendy Leigh, the half brother to Big Daddy Cool, in his damline.

Brockie bitches in-bred to Trendy Leigh and Brett Lee should produce special offspring to Tommy Shelby.

The Smokey Melody/Frisky Red direct damline that boasts Tommy Shelby has done extremely well when mated to Collision. There is a common bond through the damline.

And, daughters of Dyna Double One too should suit Tommy. The Qld GOTY Dam Slippery is by Dyna Double One from Tommy's direct damline.

The breeding opportunities for Tommy Shelby are endless.

Daughters of Barcia Bale, of which there are many, will be absolutely perfect for Tommy. If he mated nothing but daughters of Barcia Bale, that should be enough to make Tommy Shelby a success.