Albret (IRE) wins the Criterium International

Albret (IRE, 2009) [Clodovil-Piccelina], a gray colt, owned by Cuadra Quinto Real, trained by G. Arizcorreta, ridden by I. Mendizábal won yesterday the Criterium International, 1,500 m race for 2 y/o in the San Sebastián racetrack, by a length, with Celtic Rock (GB, 2009), a chestnut colt, [Rock of Gibraltar-Luna Celtica] owned by Cuadra Habit, trained by J. C. Fernández, second under jockey J. Crocquevieille.

Extreme Cara (FR, 2009), bay colt [Hurricane Cat-Magic Cara], owned by Guy Cherel, trained by Ana Imaz and ridden by Jorge Horcajada was third a head behind Celtic Rock, after commanding the race in the last turn.

Albret was unplaced in his previous start, a Listed race at La Teste de Buch (France) in which he didn't enjoy a comfortable travel. That race was won by Vladimir, who was later third in the Prix Morny (Gr. 1 - France).

Cuadra Quinto Real, owners of Albret, are also owners of Ayanz, the Villapadierna (Derby) winner, who hasn't run since that win.

The San Sebastián racecourse organized a tribute to Ioritz Mendizábal (4 times winner of the jockey standings in France), in his first visit to San Sebastián for a long time and it couldn't turn out better, since he won the Gran Criterium along with another race of the meeting.

Here is the race: Gran Criterium 2011. Albret's jockey wears pink. He takes the outermost part of the track in the far stretch.