Masked Crusader Becomes First Group 1 Winner for Sire
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Photo: Mark Gatt
Masked Crusader wins the William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley Racecourse
Haras de Bouquetot's Toronado was presented with his first top-level winner when Masked Crusader landed the Keogh Homes William Reid Stakes (G1) at Moonee Valley Racecourse March 19.
The gelding, who was bred by Gilgai Farm, was adding a second group win to his name after landing the Cellarbrations Southern Cross Stakes (G3) at Randwick last month. The Michael, Wayne, and John Hawkes-trained horse had also finished third in the Heineken Canterbury Stakes (G1) earlier this month.
The 4-year-old is a AUS$340,000 (US$263,976) purchase from Inglis Premier and is out of the group-placed stakes winner Invincible Spirit mare She's Got Gears, who once again visited Toronado last year.
Toronado, the winner of the QIPCO Sussex Stakes (G1) and Queen Anne Stakes (G1) for Al Shaqab Racing and Richard Hannon in a 12-race career, has shuttled to Swettenham Stud since his retirement in 2015.
Toronado at Haras de Bouquetot
The 11-year-old son of High Chaparral has been represented by 28 stakes performers to date, including the Queen's Tactical, winner of the Windsor Castle and Tattersalls July Stakes (G2), Tab Matriarch Stakes (G2) scorer Affair To Remember, and Armidale Stud Vamos Stakes (G3) winner Still A Star.
Bred by Paul Nataf, Toronado will stand for a fee of €8,000 at Haras de Bouquetot this term. A €40,000 purchase as a foal, when selling to BBA Ireland from Haras d'Ommeel at Arqana's December Sale, he was then picked up for €55,000 when purchased by Amanda Skiffington as a yearling at the Arqana August Sale.
He is the fourth foal out of the winning Grand Slam mare Wana Doo, a half sister to Racing Post Trophy (G1) and Juddmonte Beresford Stakes (G2) scorer Casamento .
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