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

Nelson Groom wins the Premio Ayuntamiento de Mijas

The Mijas Cup 2010 winner Nelson Groom (FR, 2006) [Charming Groom-Slot Machine(Hiighest Honor)], won today the Premio Ayuntamiento de Mijas, prep race for the Mijas Cup. Ridden by J. L. Martínez for trainer F. Rodríguez and owner Reza Pazooki, the grey colt beat Entre Copas, with Seminole Cry third and Blackberry Boy fourth.
Nelson Groom followed the front runner Don Hernando Hab and forced an increase in the pace in the last turno, winning then in the stretch more easily than the one and a half length suggests. Entre Copas traveled comfortably in the rear of the pack  and closed strongly to catch Seminole Cry near the post.

Here is a 12 minute video of the race: Premio Ayuntamiento de Mijas 2012

Nelson Groom and Entre Copas are among the favourites for the Mijas Cup 2012 and the win of either would be the first time any horse repeats the Mijas Cup.

In the other races of the meeting, the winners were Garajonay (First Samurai) in the 1,300 m for maiden 3yo, Longueiron (Baptize) in the Premio Cala de Mijas 2012, (2,000 m, maiden 3yo),  Vraizem (Multazem) in the 1,800 m handicap and Artico (Artie Schiller) in the 1,300 m handicap

Races in Mijas this Saturday

There will be 5 races in the Mijas racecourse this Sunday.

In the first one, a 1,300 m race for Spanish breds, Rubens (SPA, 2005) , the bay colt [Fragrant Wells-Sodoma] returns to competition after more than a year of inactivity due to an injury. He has 11 starts, with seven wins and four placings and 89,000 euros in prize money. Rubens will face Corcubión (Kahswan), Katire (Green Tune), Ariza (Diktat), Banbú (Wagon Master) and Partovia (Baptize).

The third race is a 1,200 m maiden race for 2 yo with 11 partants: Arkadin (Captain Rio), Calixto (Diamond Green), Gnomo (Baptize), Golden (Fragrant Wells), Henares (Fol Parade), Mondoñedo (Wagon Master), Emiraty Cup (Just Time), Lunchside (Dyhim Diamond), Scarlatti (Devil Moon), Tysun (Ventalle), Longueiron (Baptize).