Toronado’s first runner a winner!

Swettenham Stud’s Toronado continues to tick every box, with his presence and looks, his racetrack record, his fertility as a stallion and in the outstanding progeny he has stamped.

And he now deserves another very big tick, having sired his first international winner, over 1100m with his first French runner.

Baylagan, a striking two-year-old colt out of the French Muhtathir (GB) mare Al Waghaa won a fierce battle in the Prix Mercier-La Vendee on debut at overnight.

Jumping well from the barriers, he travelled easily outside the leaders, and when down the straight, Baylagan fought back under hands and heels, to secure a strong first victory for the popular sire.

Swettenham Stud’s Adam Sangster is thrilled to see the fastest son of High Chaparral get his first winner on the board.

“It’s a brilliant start, and so fitting that Toronado’s first winner is in France and a homebred for Al Shaqab Racing.There are about 150 rising two-year-olds in the leading yards across Australasia, reports are that they are breaking in well and are intelligent horses.

“Sincere congratulations to Al Shaqab Racing , as together we have given the local Victorian breeders access to brilliant international bloodlines, like Toronado at stud. Al Shaqab understands the industry, and they offer support to mare owners by being mindful of service fees during a stallions fourth season at stud.” In the breeze up sale at Doncaster a £17,000 filly yearling purchase was turned into £210,000 after less than 6months which makes me think they have some toe” Sangster said

Baylagan was bred at Al Shaqab’s Haras de Bouquetot Stud, where Toronado stands at stud during the Northern Hemisphere breeding season.

A €45,000 yearling from the 2017 Arqana October Yearling Sale, Baylagan is the first foal of Al Waghaa, a full-sister to the dual stakes-placed Maroon Machine (Ire), and a half-sister to the dual stakes-placed Place Vendome (Dr Fong). From the family of Group 1 winning sire Style Vendome (Anabaa) and Group 1 Criterium International placegetter Prestige Vendome (Orpen).

Off the back of his brilliant Australian yearling sales debut, Toronado’s sales results demonstrated the highest return investment from a service fee perspective than any other stallion standing in Victoria.

Fantastic value, Toronado will stand at Swettenham Stud for $20,000 plus GST this season.