Bletchingly was bred by Stanley Wootton on the Baramul Stud in the Widden Valley,[1] and was a three-quarter brother to another high-class sprinter, Beaches (by Todman).
Thought by his owner to be too small and unsound for a long racing career, Bletchingly was unraced as a two-year-old and won his only start as a three-year-old at the provincial track of Bendigo.
At four, he showcased his ability by winning The Galaxy Stakes at Randwick and the Moomba Handicap at Flemington, in which he equalled the course record of 56.8 seconds for 1,000 metres.
Subsequent crops included 1984's champion Emancipation, the Golden Slipper winners Star Watch (1988) and Canny Lad (1990), and the Group One winners Canny Lass (won three G1 races), Coronation Day (two G1 wins), Boardwalk Angel, Kenny's Best Pal (VRC Australian Guineas), Spirit Of Kingston, Best Western (won AJC Spring Champion Stakes), True Version and Wrap Around.
[3] Since his death, he has been a leading broodmare sire in Australia, with his daughters producing at least 18 individual Group One winners, including Charge Forward, Bonanova, and Stella Cadente.