First Group 1 winner for Toronado as Masked Crusader lands William Reid

Toronado: enjoying significant success in Australia

Racing Post Photos

Haras de Bouquetot’s Toronado was presented with his first top-level winner when Masked Crusader landed the William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday. 

The gelding, who was bred by Gilgai Farm, was adding a second Group win to his name after landing the Southern Cross Stakes at Randwick last month. The Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes-trained horse had also finished third in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes earlier this month.

A $340,000 purchase from Inglis Premier, the four-year-old is out of the Group-placed Invincible Spirit mare She’s Got Gears, who once again visited Toronado last year. 

Toronado, the winner of the Sussex Stakes and Queen Anne for Al Shaqab Racing and Richard Hannon in a 12-race career, has shuttled to Swettenham Stud since his retirement in 2015. 

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 July Stakes, Matriarch Stakes scorer Affair To Remember, and Vamos Stakes 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 and Beresford Stakes scorer Casamento. 

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FIRST PUBLISHED 11:22AM, MAR 19 2021