Al Shaqab stars arrive at Swettenham Stud

Qatar’s Al Shaqab’s star shuttlers, Toronado (Ire) and The Wow Signal (Ire) arrived safely at Swettenham Stud on Thursday evening.  Both stallions have settled into their new surroundings and are enjoying their first visit to Victoria.

Multiple G1 winner of Europe’s elite mile contests, Toronado was High Chaparral’s most precocious and fastest son.

“He has arrived in great condition after a busy season at the English National Stud.  He has all the credentials needed to make a big impact on the Victorian and Australian Breeding Industry and it is a substantial show of faith in Victoria that Al Shaqab have entrusted Swettenham with this calibre of stallion” Swettenham owner Adam Sangster said.

The Wow Signal, the champion French 2YO last year and G1 winner of the Prix Morny, has arrived in great condition after the long International flight with handler Benoit Girres from Haras De Bouquetot.  The Wow Signal was injured in his last work before the English 2000 Guineas this year, which led to his early retirement.  His sire, Starspangledbanner, needs no introduction to Victorian breeders, proving to be hugely successful.

“It is a huge credit to the Al Shaqab European Operation that against the odds and with meticulous management, The Wow Signal has been able to come to Australia this season,” Sangster said.  “Al Shaqab have been very conscious, that to get the stallions off to the start they both deserve, they would be priced to represent excellent value to breeders and get very good books of mares in their initial season.”

Arriving with the two stallions were fellow shuttlers, Equiano from Newsells Park UK and Americain from the Irish National Stud.

“Equiano has had a surge of interest after a number of smart 3YOs stepped out during the first weeks of the new racing season,” Sangster added.  “And Americain looks amazing and has further developed into a seriously imposing and powerful stallion.  Reports from his initial crop in the USA are excellent with Brad Kelley of Calumet Farm hand picking 20 rising 2YOs to represent the famous farm next year.”

Swettenham’s stallion roster is rounded off by the magnificent son of Redoute’s Choice in Master of Design whose crop of 2YOs are ready to hit the track, and Puissance De Lune, the hugely talented son of Shamardal making his debut at stud this season.

Al Shaqab Stallion ArrivalAL SHAQAB WELCOME
The Wow Signal (left) and Toronado at Swettenham Stud