The influence of former Armidale Stud stallion Tough Speed continues to build within Tasmanian breeding, with the son of Miswaki now firmly establishing himself as an emerging force as a broodmare sire.

That strength was on display again at Launceston on Friday night when Vino Novello claimed the Tasmanian St Leger, adding another feature result to the growing list of achievements by Tough Speed’s daughters. The gelding is out of Royal Miswaki, a Tough Speed mare, and his victory further reinforces the stallion’s expanding impact through his female line.

Tough Speed was a tremendous asset to the Tasmanian industry during his years at Armidale Stud. Despite covering modest books compared with mainland stallions, he compiled an impressive record: more than 100 individual winners and a consistently strong winners‑to‑runners ratio. His progeny were renowned for their toughness, soundness and ability to thrive in local conditions. Among his best were stakes performers Take The Sit and Black ’n’ Tough, horses that helped cement his reputation as one of the state’s most reliable sources of durability and longevity.

But the next phase of Tough Speed’s legacy is now being written through his daughters.

His influence as a broodmare sire has accelerated in recent seasons, led by Buzzing Along, dam of the outstanding mare Deroche (pictured below). A 10‑time winner, Deroche captured the Group 3 Vamos Stakes and multiple other stakes placings, earning more than $420,000 for Star Thoroughbreds.

Performances of that calibre, combined with feature winners like Vino Novello, highlight the value Tough Speed mares are bringing to the breeding ranks. Their progeny consistently display the same grit and competitiveness that defined their sire’s stock.

Recent results continue to strengthen that trend. Tough Speed mares are producing durable, capable performers such as Hong Kong runner He Was You, while  the consistent Alpine Flyer has amassed seven career victories in South Australia. Commercial interest is also rising. At last month’s Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale, a Capitalist filly out of Speedonova—a daughter of Tough Speed—sold for $120,000 to MyRacehorse, underscoring the confidence buyers now place in the line.

Taken together—the feature race success of Vino Novello, the stakes credentials of Deroche, and the growing commercial appeal—Tough Speed’s daughters are becoming increasingly influential within Tasmanian breeding.

As more of his mares progress through their breeding careers, the stallion’s legacy looks set to strengthen even further. With feature results now arriving regularly through his maternal line, Tough Speed’s imprint on Tasmanian racing and breeding is only deepening with each passing season.