LARADO unleashed!

“Good things come to those who wait” was the prevailing sentiment following LARADO’s demolition job on debut at the Gold Coast Saturday.

For some time now, trainer Matt Hoysted has been bullish about LARADO’s prospects, so it was most pleasing to see the 4yo gelding start his career in the best possible way, albeit belatedly.

Shin soreness and feet issues plagued the son of TORONADO during his two and three year old season but like with most things in racing, time was all that was required.

To quantify the level of expectation on Saturday, LARADO started a $1.50 favourite and at one point even touched $1.35. Most unusual for any first starter to be quoted such prohibitively short odds so the pressure was certainly on.

However not so for jockey Luke Rolls, who calmly utilised barrier one without setting the horse alight, and when a passage opened rounding the home turn, LARADO was given his cue and raced away to win the 1000m Maiden Plate by the best part of 4 lengths.

“The wait was definitely worth it,” a delighted Hoysted said.

“It’s been frustrating to have a horse of his ability to go through little niggling issues so it was great to see him get to the races and win in the fashion that he did.

“He showed a really good turn of foot with his ears pricked so I would suggest there’s plenty more under the hood.”

The winning time of 57.33 was the quickest of four 1000m events on the program including a Class 6 Plate.

Out of the stakes performed NOT A SINGLE DOUBT mare LAKE DISTRICT GIRL, LARADO was a $175,000 yearling purchase from Three Bridges Thoroughbreds at the 2023 Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale.

He becomes Proven Thoroughbreds’ third winner for the 2025-26 season, which renewed this month.

Earlier this year Proven and Matt Hoysted combined to purchase another TORONADO colt at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale. The colt out of HEAVENLY BRIDGES is currently in training at Eagle Farm and shares are available. Watch the latest video update below: