Torryburn Stud

The inspiration for Dorothea McKellar’s famous poem, I Love A Sunburnt Country, Torryburn Stud now inspires racetrack success with seven Gr1 winners bred on the farm in the past decade. Their 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast draft contained Gr1 Coolmore Classic winner Espiona who has earned over $2.8million, while Gr1 winner and young sire Home Affairs was catalogued but withdrawn from the same draft.

In 2024, Torryburn Stud will present a draft of eleven yearlings at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, with seven fillies giving buyers a rare chance to buy into some of Torryburn Stud’s great families.

“With two exciting mares who were bred at Torryburn currently racing, led by Magic Millions graduate Espiona who had just won the $2million The Invitation at time of writing taking her earnings to almost $3million and Hope In Your Heart, a multiple Gr1 performer with earnings in excess of $1.7million, we believe Torryburn gives buyers a good chance of finding a champion mare,” said Mel Copelin. “Torryburn also raised Gr1 mares Dixie Blossoms and Eldorado Dreaming. The past 20 years have been dedicated to improving and perfecting the farm and our practices. We undertook a major rejuvenation in 2015 and now the results are shining through.”

How would you sum up your 2024 draft?

“A well rounded collection of quality yearlings who should be at all price points including first season sires Ole Kirk and King’s Legacy, and proven sires Capitalist, Deep Field, Exceed and Excel, Toronado, Brazen Beau and Pierro.”

The first foal of Torryburn Stud raced Toryjoy (Street Cry) is Lot 310, a Brazen Beau filly. Toryjoy won five races, all in the city, and was Listed placed. She is a half-sister to Listed winner Landing and Gr1 placed winner Almashooqa, out of group winner Joy Of Flight. “A very balanced and strong filly, while still being feminine, she is a fantastic physical for a first foal and we think she’ll turn a few heads.”

Bred to go early, Lot 809, is a filly by Exceed and Excel and is the second foal of two-year-old winner Jedastar, who ran second in the Gr3 Blue Diamond Preview (f) to Catch Me. Jedastar is a daughter of Listed winner Devoirs. “Torryburn have retained the mare’s first foal, a two-yearold filly by Zoustar and early reports have been promising.”

Toronado filly, Lot 567, is the first foal of De Chorus Line, a half-sister to Hong Kong Champion Sprinter and Gr1 winner Hot King Prawn and dual Gr3 winner Siren’s Fury. “A glamourous grey from our revered and much loved De Chorus family, this filly has always rated highly and she is one not to miss.”

King’s Legacy filly, Lot 363, is the first foal of Torryburn Stud raced Willowheart, who won her first two starts in succession and three races in total, and is from the family of Gr1 winner Forensics. “An eye catching filly, with excellent balance and great action.”

Lot 61 had a big pedigree boost recently when Tom Kitten won the Gr1 Spring Champion Stakes as this King’s Legacy filly’s dam, Progressive, is a winning full-sister to the dam of Tom Kitten and Listed winner Promotions.

Torryburn Stud’s Gold Coast draft has a couple colts of note including a Pierro half-brother to Gr2 winner Packing Rockstar and recent Listed Gosford Guineas winner Anavinci, out of Champion 2YO in NZ and dual Gr1 winner Anabandana; while Lot 576, is a Capitalist colt out of Gr1 placed winner Denmagic from the family of good sire Magic Albert.

What makes the Magic Millions sales and races special?

“It the first sale of the year in the best location. There’s a huge buzz to the place and everyone is excited to be hunting the next big horse.”

What has been your most satisfying result at the Magic Millions?

“For us it’s not about what we profit in the sale ring, it’s all about results and repeat custom. Espiona is our best Magic Millions graduate to date and we are certain we can produce a few more like her.”

Which app on your phone do you use the most?

“WhatsApp! We use it on the farm to communicate all things from feeding instructions, treatments, movements and even communications to some of our overseas owners.”