First Stakes Winner for Toronado

Mark Smith - Monday May 27

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)

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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.

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