Two year-old colt Baylagan won the Le Lion-d'Angers Prix Mercier-La Vendee over the sprint journey of 1100 metres for Al Shaqab Racing, who also raced his sire with much success to be crowned Champion 3YO European Miler of 2013.
Baylagan is also the first winner for his dam Al Waghaa, a placed half-sister
to the dam of Group I winner Style Vendome.It's no surprise to see Toronado so quickly off the mark in a sprint race given he was an unbeaten two year-old that won the Group II Doncaster Champagne Stakes as a juvenile before soaring to Group I success at a mile with maturity.
"Both Swettenham and Al Shaqab have the highest confidence in Toronado's potential and this confidence has clearly been vindicated by the success in the ring of his first-crop yearlings – and now this early success in Europe," said Adam Sangster.
"We are extremely encouraged also that there are such a large number of his quality yearlings being so well spruiked so early by so many leading trainers. Make no mistake – we're open for business and I can assure all breeders that Swettenham and Al Shaqab will be offering very competitive options for our valued clients again this Spring."
Toronado has been warmly received by Victorian breeders covering 414 mares in his first three seasons and has been well supported by Swettenham and Al Shaqab with quality mares.
His first stunning offspring have impressed at the yearling sales this year.
Toronado was the leading first season sire by aggregate at the 2018 Inglis
Premier Yearling Sale with 23 yearlings generating $2.5 million and posted an Inglis
Premier average of $108,696.His top seller was a terrific colt from stakes-winner She's Got Gears that made $340,000 for Gilgai Farm when bought by Hawkes Racing / Cameron Cooke Bloodstock. That colt provided the single best result for a Victorian based first season sire at Inglis Premier.
Nearly 70 yearlings by Toronado have been sold this year from a first foal crop of 132 and many have entered the stables of leading trainers in Australia and New Zealand.
Early reports indicate cause for optimism and to have a first winner on the board in Europe is an added encouragement for the many breeders that have supported Toronado, who returns to Swettenham stud this spring at a fee of $22,000..
