A brilliant performer from the word go, he showed a high level of form as a two-year-old for Richard Hannon snr, landing three races with his biggest success coming in the Group II Champagne Stakes at Doncaster.
Bought as a yearling for €55,000 by Amanda Skiffington for owners Fiona Carmichael and Chris Humber, Toronado was snapped up in a private deal by Sheikh Joaan in the March of his three-year-old season.
Following a runaway success in the Craven Stakes, Toronado finished fourth in
the Group I 2,000 Guineas behind Dawn Approach, but narrowed the gap on Jim
Bolger's charge in the Group I St James's Palace Stakes, going down by a
short-head.Toronado reversed the form with Dawn Approach in the 'Duel on the Downs' in the Group I Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, coming with a stunning late challenge under an ice-cool Richard Hughes to win by half a length.
Campaigned this year by Hannon's son Richard, Toronado landed his second Group 1 prize on his seasonal debut in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.
He was last seen at Longchamp this month, finishing a head second to Charm Spirit in the Prix du Moulin and could bid for further top-flight glory in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot next month.
Ben Sangster, chairman of the National Stud, said: "Myself and the senior steward Roger Weatherby are thrilled that such a high-class horse will be retiring for the 2015 season to the National Stud and are most grateful to His Excellency Sheikh Joaan for his wonderful gesture to support the British breeding industry.
"This is such a tremendous opportunity for breeders, who I'm sure will be keen to send high quality mares to this very special horse."
Toronado's stallion career will be managed by John Warren, with his son Jake
responsible for nominations."Looking closely at both Toronado's pedigree and conformation he is hugely exciting," said John Warren. "Being by the international leading sire High Chaparral out of a mare from the Gone West line he looks perfect for a wide range of mares including those who descend from the Danzig line.
"Having the powerful build of a very fast horse and being a Group-winning unbeaten two-year-old, Toronado will really appeal to the commercial market. As a European champion miler he will also be important to owner breeders who are aiming to breed a Classic prospect."
Toronado is the best offspring of 14-year-old Grand Slam mare Wana Doo, a winning half-sister to Group I Racing Post Trophy winner Casamento.
His sire High Chaparral is currently in Australia for Coolmore and two of High Chaparral's best sons in So You Think and Dundeel are also at stud here.
A fee for Toronado will be announced at a later date.
A fee for Toronado will be announced at a later date.
