Labros wins the Handicap Opcional

In the first meeting on turf at La Zarzuela, last Sunday, the main race was the Handicap Opcional, a 1,600 m Handicap for 3yos, and it was won by Labros (SPA, 2010), a bay colt [Dyhim Diamond-Sunset Fily (Lil's Lad)], owned by Cuadra Dosemes, trained by M. Delcher S and ridden by J. Crocquevieille

Labros led from gate to wire in his 2nd win in 5 outings.

Irish Sand (IRE, 2010), ch. colt [Footstepsinthesand-Knysna(Rock of Gibraltar)], onwed by Cuadra Martul, trained by A. Imaz and ridden by Gloria Madero was 2nd.. Winklside (Oratorio) and Collioside (Caradak) were 3rd and 4th

Here is the video: Handicap Opcional 2013

In the other highlight of the meeting, (Premio Fernán Núñez, 2,200 m Handicap, 4yo+), the winner was Barañain (SPA, 2009), ch. filly [Dyhim Diamond-Zaniah(Sorcerous)], owned by Cuadra El Molino, trained by J. López and ridden by Mario Gomes, beating Kurdo (Baptize), Turrialba (Trade Fair) and Galipoli (Sulamani).

The video can be seen here: Premio Fernán Núñez 2013

The 1,400 m race for 3yo debutants was won by Tio Luis (IRE, 2010), bay colt [Oratorio-Love Knot(Lomitas)], owned by Cuadra San Julio, trained by J. L. Maroto and ridden by J. Crocquevieille, with Dieguito Rivera (Dyhim Diamond) 2nd, Jhon Grass (Refuse to Bend) 3rd and Dromeos (Zamindar) 4th.

In the 1,800 split handicap for 4yo+, Cardolan (Azamour) won the first part and Sir Alfil (Leadership) won the 2nd.

In the Premio Glycerius (2,800 m, hurdles), the winner was Orlov (Luna Ridge), with Eco Jar (Wagon Master) 2nd.

GP Memorial Duque de Toledo and Gran Critérium this Sunday at La Zarzuela

Next Sunday at La Zarzuela there is a meeting with 7 races including the Memorial Duque de Toledo (2,400 m, 3yo+, weight for age, 30,000 euros for the winner), one of the highlights of the season and the Gran Critérium (1,600 m, 2yo, 24,000 euros for the winner)


GP Memorial Duque de Toledo
2,400 m,  3yo+, weight for age, 30,000 euros

The field of this year includes four Classic winners: Domeside, Plantagenet, Pazifiksturm and Fortun, along with the winners of the prep races, Kurdo and Ranyan, Arnuero (2nd last year) and G3 placed Casaca. The Memorial Duque de Toledo is included in the list of races under consideration for inclusion at Listed level.  These are the participants:

Arnuero (GB, 2008), bay colt [Sakhee-Penang Pearl(Bering)], owned by Cuadra Medreal, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina. He was second last year to Ayanz. He prefers soft going.

Domeside (GB, 2006), bay colt [Domedriver-Buck's Fizz(Kris)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher S., will be ridden by J. Grosjean.Winner of the 2009 Villapadierna (Spanish Derby), he is somewhat irregular

Entre Copas (GB, 2004), ch. gelding [Sakhee-Priena(Priolo)], owned by Cuadra África, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by A. Gómez. The Horse of the Year in 2011 is not having a good year and stable jockey Crocquevieille has chosen her sister Casaca.

Kurdo (FR, 2008), bay colt [Baptize-La Sayida(Fairy King)], owned by Yeguada AGF, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek. .He won the preparatory race.

Pazifizsturm (GER. 2007) [Samum-La Parabol(Trempolino)], owned by Cuadra Martul, trained by Ana Imaz Ceca, will be ridden by J. B. Hamel. Winner of the Mijas Cup,also won in Morocco and the Copa de Oro de San Sebastián. He will be the favourite and his win would mean an outstanding year. He is a Classic winner of the Premio Villamejor (Spanish St. Leger)


Plantagenet (SPA, 2007) [Trade Fair-Crafty Buzz(Crafty Prospector)], owned by Cuadra Whylar, trained by G Arizkorreta, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez. Winner of the 2010 GP Villapadierna (Spanish Derby), the first Spanish bred winner in Dubai.


Casaca (GB, 2007), ch. flly [Medicean-Priena(Priolo)], owned by Cuadra África, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille..She was 2nd to Skinside in the Benítez de Lugo. She runs against her brother Entre Copas for the first time.

Arsalan (GB, 2009), bay colt [Halling-Kali(Linamix)], owned by Reza Pazooki, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by M. Borrego

Fortun (IRE, 2009), a bay colt [Bachelor Duke-Duckmore Bay(Titus Livius)], owned by Cuadra La Toledana, trained by J. L. Maroto, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego. Winner of the Villapadierna (Spanish Derby).

Ranyan (SPA, 2009), ch. gelding [Gold Away-Triple Two(Pivotal)], owned by Cuadra Agrado, trained by Teo Callejo, will be ridden by J. Claudic

Azafata (SPA, 2009) [Motivator-Anysheba(Alysheba)]. owned by cuadra Chamartín, trained by J. López, will be ridden by J. Horcajada

Recent winners of the Memorial Duque de Toledo have been: Ayanz (2011), Karluv Most (2010), You or No One (2009), Blue Ridge View (2008), Young Tiger (2007 and 2005) and Jade (2006)


Gran Critérium
1,600 m, 2yo, 24,000 euros

Acamante (GB, 2010), bay colt [Sakhee-Xaluna Bay (Xaar)], onwed by the Duque de Alburquerque, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by A. Gómez. Debutant.

Calamari (FR, 2010), bay colt [Turtle Bowl-Gold Mine(Gold Away)], owned by R. Cocheteaux, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille

Capearth (IRE, 2010), bay colt [Alhaarth-Antigone(Cape Cross)], owned by Cuadra Martul, trained by A. Imaz, will be ridden by J. B. Hamel

Dagoberto (SPA, 2010), bay colt [Dyhim Diamond-La Atalaya(Montjeu)], owned by Cuadra Nanina, trained by Teo Callejo, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina

Irish Sand (IRE, 2010), ch. colt [Footstepsinthesand-Knysna(Rock of Gibraltar)], onwed by Cuadra Martul, trained by A. Imaz., will be ridden by M. Foulon.

Kiril (FR, 2010), bay colt [Astronomer Royal-Solita(Thunder Gulch)], owned by Cuadra Madroños, trained by M. Delcher, will be ridden by J. Horcajada.

Moss (SPA, 2010), ch. colt [Palamoss-Falaris(Humool)], owned by Yeguada AGF, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek.

Mou the Special (IRE, 2010), ch. colt [Refuse to Bend-Flagship(Rainbow Quest)], owned by Cuadra Los Toneles, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez

Sleeping Wan (GB, 2010), chestnut colt [Sleeping Indian-Vivre Sa Vie(Nashwan)], owned by Cuadra Martul, trained by Ana Imaz, will be ridden by G. Madero

Pearlside (FR, 2010), bay filly [Alhaarth-Prickly Pearl(Lahib)], owned by Cuadra Madroños, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by J. Grosjean. She won the Carlos Sobrino in her last start and she is the half sister to Baldoria, who won the Gran Critérium in 2005

Recent winners of the Gran Critérium are: Matusalén (2011), Volcánico (2010), Adjuge (2009), As de Trébol (2008), Rituss (2007), What a Caper (2006) and Baldoria (2005)

Kurdo and Ranyan win the Memorial trials

There were six races yesterday at the La Zarzuela racetrack, including two races of 2.200 m, one for 4yo+ and the other one for 3yos, with 8,000 euros for the winners:


Kurdo (FR, 2008), bay colt [Baptize-La Sayida(Fairy King)], owned by Yeguada AGF, trained by G. Arizkorreta and ridden by V. Janacek won the Premio Cruzcampo-Chacal at the La Zarzuela racetrack, beating Arnuero (GB, 2008), bay colt [Sakhee-Penang Pearl(Bering)], owned by Cuadra Medreal, trained by M. Delcher S, ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbin by a length in one of the highlights of the Sunday meeting. Domeside (GB, 2006, Domedriver), was third and Seminole Cry was fourth.

Kurdo beating Arnuero. Photo courtesy of www.gacetahipodromo.com

Red Soles commanded the race with Karluv Most second until the far stretch, in which Karluv Most took the lead. He continued to lead the race until the home strecth in whichi he was surpassed by Kurdo and Arnuero. Kurdo held off the Arnuero attack.

Karluv Most experienced a problem, his jockey dismounted after the race to return and he may be injured (news pending)


Here is the race: Premio Cruzcampo-Chacal


In the Premio Royal Gait, the winner was Ranyan (SPA, 2009), ch. gelding [Gold Away-Triple Two(Pivotal)], owned by Cuadra Agrado, trained by Teo Callejo and ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina, who beat Arsalan (GB, 2009), bay colt [Halling-Kali(Linamix)], owned by Reza Pazooki, trained by F. Rodríguez and ridden by J. Grosjean by 8 lengths, with Galipoli (FR, 2009), third.

Here is the race: Premio Royal Gait

In the first race (1,500 m, 2yo, 6,000 euros for the winner), Son Bou (GB, 2010,) [Medicean-Barreda(Linamix)] won by 7 lengths leaving a very good impression. Dagoberto (Dyhim Diamond) was 2nd and Collio Side (Caradak) was third. The 2nd dam of Son Bou is Teresa (Rheffissimo) one of the best fillies in the history of Spanish turf.

Here is the race: Premio AEPCC

In the 3 parts of the split handicap over 1,800 m, the winners were: Mayerling, Kiumars and Lucciole Lol

Trial races for the Memorial tomorrow Sunday

The Sunday meeting at La Zarzuela includes  2 races as preparatory races for the Memorial Duque de Toledo (October 21th). Both are 2,200 races with 8,000 euros for the winners

These are the participants in the race for 4yo+ (Premio Cruzcampo-Chacal):

Domeside (GB, 2006), bay colt [Domedriver-Buck's Fizz(Kris)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher S., will be ridden by J. Grosjean. Winner of the 2009 Villapadierna (Spanish Derby).

Karluv Most (FR, 2006), bay colt, [Della Francesca-La Vlatava(Grand Lodge)], owned by Cuadra Cholaica, trained by J. L. Maroto, will be ridden by Charles Nora. He won the GP Ciudad de Madrid in his last start and won the Memorial Duque de Toledo in 2010.


Arnuero (GB, 2008), bay colt [Sakhee-Penang Pearl(Bering)], owned by Cuadra Medreal, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina. He was 2nd to Ayanz in the last Memorial Duque de Toledo

Coside (USA, 2008), gray colt [Cozzene-Fairy Heights(Fairy King)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by J. Horcajada

Kurdo (FR, 2008), bay colt [Baptize-La Sayida(Fairy King)], owned by Yeguada AGF, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek

Señor Miranda (GB, 2007), bay colt [Fantastic Light-Ringing Hill(Carhmwood Forest)], owned by Cuadra Los Toneles, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille

Red Soles (IRE, 2008), bay filly [Barathea-Inchoate(Machiavellian)], owned by Cuadra Internorte, trained by T. Martins will be ridden by J. L. Borrego

In the equivalent race for 3yo (Premio Royal Gait), participants are:

Galipoli (FR, 2009), bay colt [Sulamani-Sweet Willa(Assert)], owned by Cuadra San Rafael, trained by Teo Callejo, will be ridden by J. B. Hamel
Winner of the Premio Velayos 2012.


Arsalan (GB, 2009), bay colt [Halling-Kali(Linamix)], owned by Reza Pazooki, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. Grosjean

Cuentista (SPA, 2009), ch. colt [Halling-Clever Cloggs(Nashwan)], owned by Cuadra Odisea, trained by I. Gómez, will be ridden by A. Gómez

Giggolo Star (SPA, 2009), ch.colt [Dyhim Diamond-Flamingo Star(Limpid)], owned by Cuadra Magaña, trained by J. C. Fernández R, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez

Gran Chipi (FR, 2009), bay colt [Green Tune-Cerita(Woodman)], owned by Cuadra Popular, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek.

Krann (GB, 2009), bay colt [Trade Fair-Musical Score(Blushing Flame)],owned by Cuadra Dos Hermanas, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieile

Ranyan (SPA, 2009), ch. gelding [Gold Away-Triple Two(Pivotal)], owned by Cuadra Agrado, trained by Teo Callejo, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina


There is also an interesting 1,500 m race for 2yos, Premio Asociación de Propietarios and the three parts of a split handicap over 1,800 m.

Alonso wins the GP Nacional

Alonso (SPA, 2009), chestnut colt [Green Tune-Lady Cree(Medicean)], won last Sunday the GP Nacional, (2,200 m, Spanish bred 3yos), with jockey Julien Grosjean for trainer Yan Durepaire and owners Cuadra Kif-Kif. Phuket (SPA, 2009), bay colt (Multazem-New Vert(Vert Amande)] was second, Giggolo Star (Dyhim Diamond) was third and Nuredyn (Dyhim Diamond) was fourth.

Alonso (SPA, 2009) (Green Tune), winner of the GP Nacional 2012 with J. Grosjean. Photo courtesy of http://turfarganda.blogspot.com

Here is the video: GP Nacional 2012

This is the first race in Spain of Alonso,  who had run only in France. The 2nd, Phuket is a half brother to 2 GP Nacional winners, Newango and Festeiro.


In the rest of the meeting, Ranyan (SPA, 2009) ch. geld [Gold Away-Triple Two(Pivotal)] with V. Janacek won a 2,200 m handicap for 3yo, carrying the top weight, with Esgues (Dyhim Diamond) second. Here is the video

In  the second race, a 1,600 m race for 3yos, there was a 1-2 for sire Rock of Gibraltar, with the winner Alduides (IRE, 2009), ch. colt [Rock of Gibraltar-Misdirect(Darshaan)], beating Celtic Rock (who was 2rd in the Cimera). Video: Premio Marca

Albuhera (Devil Moon-Lili d'Aubois(Lycius)], won the Premio Precoz (900 m, 2yo) with Jorge Horcajada for owner Cuadra Cacharela and trained J. A. Rodríguez, with Cartoon Rouge (Vita Rosa) second.

Band Karo GB, 2008) bay colt [Desert Style-Khaiyala(Kahyasi)] won the 4th race, (1,800 m, 4yo+, amateur jockeys), with Del Cossa (Della Francesca) 2nd.

And Kurdo (Baptize) won the 2,200 m handicap race for amateur jockeys, with Blanca de Navarra (Limpid) 2nd

Mijas Cup 2012 this Sunday 4 March 2012

This Sunday 4 of March is the day of the XII Gran Premio Día de Andalucía - Mijas Cup, to be run in the Mijas racecourse over 2,200 m, with a total purse of 73,100 euros and for 4yo+ horses. The time is 14.40 (local)

This year has a stellar field of 13 participants, including the winners of the last two Mijas Cups (Entre Copas and Nelson Groom), the Spanish Derby winner Domeside and the Villamejor (St. Leger) winner Pazifizsturm, along with some foreign raiders.

These are the participants:

Candy Gift (ARG, 2003) ch. horse [Candy Stripes-Sly Sarah] Owned by Jalovey Racing, trained by J. Roualle, will be ridden by J. Victoire.

Domeside (GB, 2006) bay horse, [Domedriver-Buck's Fizz(Kris)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher, will be ridden by J. Grosjean. Winner if his last two starts: Premio Cruzcampo 2012 and Premio Cajasol Banca Cívica

Entre Copas (GB, 2004) ch. gelding [Sakhee-Priena(Priolo)], owned by Cuadra África, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by Jeremy Crocquevieille. Winner of the last Mijas Cup,  Horse of the Year 2011 in Spain, second to Nelson Groom in the prep race.

Kurdo (FR, 2008), bay colt, [Baptize-La Sayida], owned by Yeguada AGF, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by Vaclav Janacek.

Loch Etive (GB, 2006) a bay gelding, [Rock of Gibraltar-Amazing Krisken], owned by Daniel Roset, trained by T. Callejo, will be ridden by J. C. Cerqueira

Nelson Groom (FR, 2006), a gray horse [Charming Groom-Slot Machine(Highes Honor)], owned by Reza Pazooki, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez. He won the prep race: Premio Ayuntamiento de Mijas 2012 and won the Mijas Cup in 2010 (Video: Mijas Cup 2010)

Nova Kediet (USA, 2008) bay colt [Speighstown-Dynamous], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by F. Rohaut, will be ridden by F. Lynch.

Pazifiksturm (GER, 2007), ch. horse [Samum-La Parabol], owned by Cuadra Martul, trained by Ana Imaz, will be ridden by J. Auge. He won the GP Villamejor (Spanish St. Leger) and was 2nd to Bannaby in the Copa de Oro in 2010.

Raami (GB, 2007) bay horse [Sakhee-Hawriyah], owned by Cuadra BP San Mateo, trained by O. Anaya, will be ridden by Iván López.

Seminole Cry (USA, 2005) a bay gelding [War Chant-Teakabu]. Owned by Carreras Int., trained by J. L. Eyre, will be ridden by Santi Martín

Señor Miranda (GB, 2007), a bay horse [Fantastic Light-Ringing Hill], owned by Cuadra Los Toneles, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina.

Special Request (FR, 2007), gray gelding [Kaldouneeves-Radio Mesnil], owned and trained by Christian Delcher, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego

Magnesia (GB, 2006) , a bay filly [Sulamani-Meander] Owned by Jalovey Racing, trained by J. Roualle, will be ridden by A. Lakjel.

Some results from the three meetings this weekend in Spain

This weekend there wasn't any big race in Spain, but there were three meetings (thursday night in Madrid [dirt], saturday afternoon in Antela [Ourense] and Sunday morning in Madrid [turf])

In the Sunday meeting, the first race , a 1,000 m race for 2 yo debutants was won by Irish Cliff (IRE, 2009) [Marju-Miss Corinne(Mark of Esteem)], a bay filly of Cuadra Chicago, trained by M. Delcher S. and ridden by Jorge Horcajada. She won by a head over Hiru (FR, 2008) a chestnut colt [Delfos-Nayzak(Silver Hawk)] who finished strongly under F. Lynch for Cuadra La Milla and trainer J. L. de Salas. Also partant, Mencey (SPA, 2009), a full brother to Amadeo Rey, second in the Spanish 2,000 guineas 2010. Mencey is owned by Cuadra Los Toneles. Here is the race: Premio SEPI

In the fourth race, Premio Lototurf, a 2,100 m race for 3 y/o, the winner was the favourite Arnuero (GB, 2008) [Sakhee-Penang Pearl(Bering)] by half a length to Diamant du Soleil (FR, 2008) [Dyhim Diamond-Solita(Acatenango)], with Kurdo (FR, 2008) [Baptize-La Sayida(Fairy King)] third and Achtung (SPA, 2008) [Sulamani-Aurea(Silvano)] fourth. Sibila (IRE, 2008) [Sulamani-Menta(Finissimo)], half sister to Carmanor (Premio Gladiateur, 2nd in the Memorial Duque de Toledo 2010) made her debut for owner-trainer J. M. Osorio. This is the video: Premio Lototurf

In the Saturday meeting in Antela, the 6th race, a 2,200 race for fillies, was won by Kyra (SPA, 2008) [Egeo-Jazri], ridden by Marco Secci and trained by G. Arizkorreta for owners Yeguada AGF. This is the first race for this stable, who owns only another horse, Kurdo. She caught the favourtite Herri Irratia (Denver County) in the home stretch. Here is the race: Premio Villablanca

Gran Premio Nacional this Sunday

The GP Nacional is the main race of the season for Spanish breds, a 2,200 m race for 3 y/o. This race was won by Plantagenet last year.

Partants (almost definitive) are:

Abdel (SPA, 2008), a bay colt. [Dyhim Diamond-Leonor de Guzmán(Glauco)], owned and trained by J.M. Osorio, Duque de Alburquerque, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille. Three starts with two wins, the last one beating Indiano, recent winner of the Velayos. Here is the video

Abdel beating Indiano in April. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com

Aljarafe(FR, 2008), a bay colt [Russian Blue-Noche] trained by G. Arizcorreta, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego. He has two starts with one third and one win. Owned by Cuadra Whylar. Aljarafe is half brother to Sam Winner, Gr. 1 placed over hurdles in the UK. This is his win: video

Betanzos(SPA, 2008), a chestnut colt, [Kashwan-Bridge Pool ], owned by Cuadra Llas, trained by J.A. López Valverde , will be ridden by M. Secci

Diamant du Soleil (FR, 2008) a chestnut colt, [Dyhim Diamond-Solina], owned by Cuadra Cielo de Madrid, will be ridden by M. Gomes and is trained by O. Rodríguez. Five starts, four placings

Don Hernando Hab(SPA, 2008), a chestnut colt, [Delfos-Cuddles], owned by
Gonzalo Hernando-Aboin, he is trained by A. Carrasco and will be ridden by Borja Fayos. He has 7 starts with 2 wins and 2 placings

Eltso (SPA, 2008), a chestnut colt, [Dyhim Diamond-Katherine], owned by Cuadra San Cristóbal, trained by J. López, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina. Won his only start, in 1,600 m: Premio Cría Nacional

Eltso (jockey in red) in a final charge to beat Aljarafe (jockey in black), also partant this Sunday, last March.Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com


Festeiro(SPA, 2008), a chestnut colt [Fol Parade-New Vert(Vert Amande)] won the Premio Cimera (1,000 guineas) and is half brother to Newango, winner of this GP Nacional in 2007. He is owned by Cuadra El Negredo and trained by M. Delcher (Senior) and Jorge Horcajada (who rode hime in the Cimera) will be his jockey.

Happy Few(GB, 2008), a bay colt, [Ballingarry-Ventolera] owned by Cuadra Odisea, is trained by I. Gómez and will be ridden by A. Gómez. He has three starts, winning the last two, including the Premio Nouvel An


Kurdo (SPA, 2008), a bay colt, [Baptize-La Sayida], owned by Cuadra LAC Internacional, trained by G. Arizcorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek. He has three starts, with two placings.

Mil Azul(SPA, 2008) a bay colt [Russian Blue-Cuittled], owned by Yeguada Urdiñ-Oriya, will be ridden by F. Lynch and is trained by J. L. de Salas. Six starts, three wins, three placings.

Prince Trial(SPA, 2008) bay colt, [Federal Trial-Vagabunda] trained by J. C. Fernández, will be ridden by F. Jiménez. Owned by Cuadra Zalduendo. Has two starts, winning the last one on 2,100 m.