Armidale Stud today announced the passing of its resident stallion Tough Speed (USA), who was humanely euthanised on 25/6/2026 at the grand old age of 29 following a slow decline in health associated with old age.
Purchased by the late Denis Whishaw and his wife Robyn in 2004, Tough Speed became a familiar and much-loved part of life at Armidale Stud for more than two decades.
Denis had admired Tough Speed long before he was given the opportunity to purchase him. A passionate student of pedigrees and Timeform ratings, Denis was particularly attracted to the Miswaki sire line, which had already served Armidale well through Aliocha
Across a stud career spanning more than 20 years, Tough Speed sired 127 individual winners of 443 races, including 20 stakes performers, with his progeny earning almost $10 million in prize money. His best performers included stakes winners TAKE THE SIT, BLACK ‘N’ TOUGH, LYELL, TIESTO and TOUGH CHIK, while the talented stayer BANCA MO remains one of the finest horses he produced. Winner of the Mornington Cup, Warrnambool Cup and Pakenham Cup, Banca Mo looked destined for even greater achievements before his racing career was cut short in his prime when on route to the Caulfield Cup.
Banca Mo would also leave an impact beyond the racetrack, inspiring owner Mandy Gunn to establish Motree Stud, creating another lasting connection between Tough Speed and the Tasmanian breeding industry.
While Tough Speed enjoyed success in the breeding barn, he will perhaps be remembered most fondly for the type of horse he produced. His progeny were tough, sound and genuine racehorses, much like their sire, that gave local owners and trainers years of enjoyment. Many raced on season after season, becoming familiar names to Tasmanian racing fans.
In recent years, Tough Speed's influence has continued through his daughters. He is already the broodmare sire of 49 individual winners from 77 runners, including stakes performers DEROCHE, Alpine Flyer and Gee Gees Darl, ensuring his legacy remains an active one.
"Toughie was one of those horses that quietly became part of the family," said Armidale Stud principal David Whishaw.
"In his later years, some of the staff would even wander up and have a beer with him in his paddock after he'd sired a winner or covered one of the small group of mares that made up his harem in his twilight years. He had that sort of personality. Despite being a stallion, he was kind-natured, full of character and genuinely loved by the people who worked with him.
"Dad purchased him because he believed in him, but sadly he never got to see the full rewards of that decision, passing away during Toughie’s first season at stud. Fortunately for us, Tough Speed went on to justify that faith many times over.
"We're certainly very proud of the job he did from the very limited opportunities he was given”. He left us over 120 winners, 20 stakes performers and countless memories, but more importantly he earned the affection and respect of staff, breeders and owners.
"His loss will be felt by everyone at Armidale."
In keeping with a long-standing Armidale tradition, Tough Speed will be laid to rest on the farm he called home for more than twenty years. He will be buried standing up facing the rising sun, joining other treasured horses whose contribution helped shape the history of Armidale Stud.
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