THE Toole family believe fate brought their new sire Barbados to Ducatoon Park stud, Kadina, assisted by their son Steve.
“Steve was working at Arrowfield stud and was involved with handling top stallion Redoute’s Choice,” Ducatoon Park owner Peter Toole said.
“He used to keep us up-to-date with news from there, and he told us once about this superb mare which had come in to be covered. Her name was Virage de Fortune, and she had been sold to Darley stud for $3.4 million several months earlier.
“Shortly after that, Steve moved to Darley and was there when the mare foaled – a lovely grey colt.”
With these bloodlines, the foal was destined for a great career on the track, but unfortunately broke its pelvis in an accident when it was a yearling. It was confined to a stable for six months to recover from the injury, with Steve taking it out for walks and a nibble of grass, and developing a fondness for it.
The colt was named Barbados and was sent to Peter Snowdon to train.
Despite its injury and peculiar walk, it galloped well and scored a win and a second in two starts. But, the old injury had caused muscle wastage and Barbados was retired to stud.
When Darley made the decision to sell Barbados, a deal to Asia was arranged, but fell through and Peter moved in quickly to acquire it for Ducatoon Park.
“Steve is coming home to work with the family at Ducatoon Park,” Mr Toole said. “He will be back with us and also back with Barbados. We couldn’t be happier at the way it has all worked out.”
