Image: Inglis, 2022 Premier Yearling Sale, Lot 425: Toronado (IRE)/Chloe Anna
For Karen Dunstan, a small breeder from Bunyip, Victoria, the success of her homebred gelding Packing Power has been a dream come true. Packing Power, now a rising star in Hong Kong, has won three out of three races, earning over HK$2 million in prize money. For Karen, it’s a testament to the potential that small breeders can achieve with passion, care, and a strong belief in their horses.
Packing Power’s story began with Chloe Anna, a mare Karen and her husband David bought after her racing career. "We raced her with friends, and when she retired, we decided to use her as a broodmare," Karen explains. Though Chloe Anna had her challenges on the track, she showed enough potential to warrant another chapter in her life as a dam.
Choosing Toronado as the sire for Chloe Anna was a thoughtful decision. "We’d seen the success of a Toronado out of a Testa Rossa mare, which gave us confidence," Karen says. With Toronado’s strong conformation and reputation, the match seemed perfect. "He’s such a standout stallion—elegant and powerful—and Chloe Anna matched up well with him."
After being foaled down at Manningtree Park, Packing Power was prepared and offered for sale at the 2022 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale by Esker Lodge Australia. His potential was quickly recognized by Hong Kong Bloodstock and Andrew Williams Bloodstock, who purchased him for $180,000. "We were thrilled with the sale," Karen says. "To see him go to such a great home in Hong Kong was a proud moment for us."
Since arriving in Hong Kong, Packing Power has exceeded all expectations, winning every one of his three starts. He is now being aimed at the prestigious Hong Kong Classic Mile, a Group 1 race. "It’s unbelievable to think about how far he’s come," Karen shares. "He’s already won more than we could have ever dreamed, and now he’s competing at the highest level."
With a small broodmare band of just five mares, Karen’s achievement with Packing Power is all the more impressive. "Breeding is tough, with so many ups and downs, but when something like this happens, it’s all worth it," she reflects.
Chloe Anna is now back in foal to Toronado, and Karen eagerly awaits the arrival of Packing Power’s full sibling. "It’s such an exciting time for us, and it just shows what can happen when everything aligns," she says.
Karen also acknowledges the support of her close partners, including fellow owners Maria Keys and Sue Idle, Darren and Liz Dance from the Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock, and the team at Manningtree Park and Esker Lodge. "It’s been a real team effort, and we couldn’t be prouder of what Packing Power has accomplished."
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