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Toronado (Ire) x Subtle Breeze (USA) (colt)
Lot 324 - New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale
TDN AusNZ: Why was the mare chosen to see the particular stallion?
Swettenham Stud: On pedigree, the mating was exceptional on our system and the Sadler’s Wells (USA)-line has since proven with Sovereign (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) winning the G1 Irish Derby in 2019 in his second dam. With Subtle Breeze being by Affirmed, we had already seen the High Chaparral (Ire) / Affirmed cross produce the likes of Free Eagle (Ire) so we were confident that this mating would work.
The speed mating looked spot on, with Toronado being World Champion Miler and Trust In A Gust (out of this mare) being a Group 1 winner over both 1400 metres and 1600 metres. Physically, this mare throws an exceptional type and we had already seen what Toronado could throw, with this being his third crop, so we were confident of getting a very nice type and I think everyone would agree, we got what we were trying for!
TDN AusNZ: What was the foaling down like etc?
Swettenham Stud: Although he was a leggy foal with plenty of substance, weighing in at 66kg at birth, it was a relatively straight forward foaling. He was up, standing and feeding within minutes. Even prior to him being weaned, he was always a very intelligent and independent foal. He has definitely been a staff favourite right from the beginning as a striking chestnut with a great head and beautiful walk.
TDN AusNZ: What was the horse like as a weanling?
Swettenham Stud: He was such a relaxed weanling and yearling at the farm, very inquisitive and very much in the mould of both Toronado and Trust In A Gust. He was dominant enough in his paddock given his size and strength but probably more of a nanny than that nanny that we have with them, which is 26-year-old Group 2 winner Schubert!
TDN AusNZ: How is the horse handling prep so far? Does it have a nickname? Particular traits/personality? What sale is it heading to? What Lot number?
Swettenham Stud: He’s been over in New Zealand since November and Mark and the team at Hallmark have done such a great job with him. He looks in ideal condition and as we always knew, he is great to do anything with and quite enjoys the work. He's so intelligent and relaxed that we gave him the nickname 'Breezy'. He’ll head to the sales on Monday, 27th January at Karaka as Lot 324 and we are looking forward to showing him off to all prospective buyers in the meantime.
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