SWETTENHAM ATTRACTS THE GOLDEN BOYS

Swettenham Stud will have a golden glow this season with VOBIS Gold pin-up boys, stallion Trust In A Gust and “Iron horse” Burning Front both being connected to Victoria’s premier nursery. Burning Front’s dam is headed to Swettenham this spring to visit High Chaparral’s fastest son, Toronado.

Almost head to head on total earnings, the dominant front-runner, Burning Front surpassed Swettenham’s golden boy and dual Group 1 winner, Trust In A Gust, to claim the mantle as the highest all time earner of VOBIS bonuses.

Trust in A Gust amassed VOBIS earnings of $410,700, and total prize money of more than $1.1 million, with his former stable mate, Burning Front hitting the lead with $515,000 in bonuses and $1.2 million in total prize money.

Although the two boys will never meet on the track to prove who is indeed greater, Burning Front’s dam, She’s A Knockout may just produce the next VOBIS Pin Up and surpass them both.

Burning Front’s co-owner Justin Lovatt bred the outstanding galloper from the Kingston Rule mare, and with many stallion farms interested in She’s A Knockout this season, a date is booked with exciting Swettenham stallion, Toronado.

“I had many mating options available this year but after a chat with Adam (Sangster), and seeing what lovely foals Toronado is producing a decision was made. He is beautifully bred, and I think she will match up very well with him. Adam has stood some great stallions with Dash For Cash and Bianconi, and Toronado looks like he could be his next great sire.”

Lovatt was a much respected and integral part of the Swettenham team for a number of years.

“When I managed the stallions at Swettenham, it was still known as Collingrove Stud, with Rory’s Jester, Jeune, and Dash … great memories, a lovely farm to work at and Adam is a great bloke,” Lovatt said.

Swettenham Stud Principal, Adam Sangster also remembers the positive influence Lovatt had on his staff members, taking them under his wing.

“Justin was an integral part of the Swettenham team, he was a brilliant teacher to the up and coming students of the industry, especially the late Tim Jones who credits Justin for teaching him his exceptional horse skills in the stallion barn,” Sangster said.

“It was such a thrill to see Justin and Burning Front win on VOBIS Gold Breeders and Owners Day and as such a loyal supporters of the Victorian breeding industry, we will eagerly await the progeny of She’s a Knockout and Toronado to achieve more VOBIS success,” Sangster said.

With a blue blood pedigree, powerful physique and high-class performances, Toronado’s stamped his first crop of weanlings as strong, correct and precocious. With an average of over $70,000 through the ring at the Inglis Broodmare and Weanling sale, he achieved the highest freshman stallion average in Sydney.

“The Toronado weanlings were extremely popular, selling for up to $140,000 at the Magic Millions, and purchased by astute judge James Bester. We are eagerly looking forward to the first yearlings being sold in England and France very soon,” Sangster said.

She’s A Knockout by Kingston Rule, has produced Flemington winner Apollo Creed (Primus) and five-time winner Cajo Kellila (Mister C).

“There is plenty to look forward to from the family. She’s A Knockout has since produced some promising young stock including the upcoming two year old by Written Tycoon, Sekali, trained by Team Corstens. A full brother last year by Primus is athletic and in the same mold as Burning Front, and she is due to foal this season to Reward For Effort.” Lovatt said.

Standing in 2017 for $22,000 Inc. GST, champion European miler, Toronado will now have the opportunity to produce the next VOBIS champion at Swettenham Stud.

#Toronado #TrustInAGust