Al Shaqab's Toronado to National Stud in 2015
Image:
Description:
Al Shaqab Racing's group I-winning miler Toronado, who is possible for the QIPCO Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Eng-I) at Ascot in October, will take up stud duty in 2015 at The National Stud in Newmarket.
Winner of the Queen Anne Stakes (Eng-I) in June at Royal Ascot and victor in the 2013 QIPCO Sussex Stakes (Eng-I) at Goodwood, the 4-year-old son of High Chaparral was most recently second in the Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (Fr-I) Sept. 14. He has posted a 6-3-0 record from 11 starts, including three victories from as many starts at age 2 and two other group wins, in his career while earning $1,212,812. He is trained by Richard Hannon.
Toronado, bred in Ireland by Paul Nataf, is out of the winning Grand Slam mare Wana Doo, a half sister to 2010 Racing Post Trophy (Eng-I) winner Casamento.
"Looking closely at Toronado's pedigree and conformation, he is hugely exciting," said John Warren, who will be managing the horse on behalf of Al Shaqab's Sheikh Joaan Al Thani. "Being by the international leading sire High Chaparral out of a mare from the Gone West line, he looks perfect for a wide range of mares including those that descend from the Danzig line.
"Having the powerful build of a very fast horse and being a group-winning unbeaten 2-year old, Toronado will really appeal to the commercial market. As a European champion miler (highweighted on the 2013 European Free Handicap from seven to nine furlongs), he will also be important to owner/breeders who are aiming to breed a classic prospect."
A stud free for Toronado will be announced at a later date.