A milestone for Swettenham Stud's young shuttler Toronado (IRE) in France on Saturday when the Jean-Claude Rouget-trained Taos came with a barnstorming finish from last on the turn to win the Listed Derby du Midi (1900m) at Bordeaux Le Bouscat to credit his sire with his first stakes-winner.
Ridden by Jean-Bernard Eyquem, Taos defeated Corando (Dark Angel) by three-quarter of a length with Fairmont (Orpen) in third. (image Paris Turf)
It was the third win in five starts for Taos although his trainer had all but given up hope on the turn.
"I know Bordeaux well and I had serious doubts for success when seeing him in last position at the top of the straight," Rouget told Paris Turf.
"He really did something special. He's a colt that we've always loved and protected. He did not steal his victory and we will look for a stakes race for distances around the 1800 metres."
Toronado (IRE) has made an encouraging start to his stud career in Australia. With his oldest southern hemisphere crop two-year-olds his three winners in Australia to date include the Hong Kong-bound Prince Of Sussex, the winner of the inaugural $1million The Showdown at Caulfield on April 27.
A dual Group 1 winning son of High Chaparral, Toronado (IRE) returns for his fifth tour of duty at Swettenham Stud this spring where he will command a fee of $27,500, having covered 167 mares last season for a fee of $22,000.
