Premio Ricardo Ruiz Benítez de Lugo next Sunday

The highlight of this Sunday's meeting (2nd meeting of the autumn season) is the Premio Ricardo Ruiz Benítez de Lugo, a traditional race for 3yo+ fillies over 2,200 m and one of the most important races for fillies of the Spanish turf. There is a purse of 20,000 euros for the winner.

The participants of this year's edition are:

Amorebieta (SPA, 2008), bay filly [Leadership-Premiere Melody(Night Shift)], owned by Cuadra Madelaine, trained by R. H. Huayas, will be ridden by R. H. Huayas

Casaca (GB, 2007), ch. filly [Medicean-Priena(Priolo)], owned by Cuadra África, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille. She won this race last year and will be the favourite. She was 3rd in her last start, the Premio Kutxa (beaten by Baronía and Relámpago)

Manivela (SPA, 2008), bay filly [Baptize-Cayena(Indian Danehill)], owned by Cuadra Fantasía, trained by Teo Callejo, will be ridden byV. Janacek.

Relámpago (GB, 2007), bay filly [Observatory.-River City Moon (Riverman)], owned by Cuadra Tres Y Medio, trained by B. Valenti, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina.

Azafata (SPA, 2009) [Motivator-Anysheba(Alysheba)]. owned by Pilotos 747, trained by J. López, will be ridden by J. Horcajada

Ketala (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Gold Away-Afriketa(Desert Story)], owned by Cuadra LAC, trained by J. López, will be ridden by M. Secci. Ketala won the Premio Valderas but has not won since then. The dam of Ketala, Afriketa, won this race in 2006 (Video)

She Rules (FR, 2009), gray filly [Aussie Rules-Barannia (Barathea)], owned by Cuadra Zurraquín, trained by M. Hernández, will be ridden by J. L-. Borrego

Skinside (FR, 2009), bay filly, [Gentlewave-Anais Filly(Verglas)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by Ch. Delcher, will be ridden by J. Grosjean.

Recent winners of the Benítez de Lugo are: Casaca (2011), Para Elisa (2010), Fresneda (2009), Synergy (2008), Jade (2007) and Afriketa (2006).


The rest of the meeting includes a claiming race for 3yo+ over 1,600 m, a 2,100 m race for 3yo  Spanish breds, a 1,400 m split Handicap (with two parts) and the race reserved for horses presented in sales of the Breeders Association (2yo, 1,400 m).

Premio Comunidad de Madrid this Sunday

There will be 6 races tomorrow at the La Zarzuela track, Madrid, being the most important the Premio Comunidad de Madrid [2,100 m, 3yo fillies, 15,000 euros for the winner), a preparatory race for the Premio Beamonte (Spanish Oaks)


This is the field:

Belagua (IRE, 2009), bay filly [Rail Link-Mingora(Mtoto)], owned by Cuadra Quinto Real, traned by G. Arizkorreta. Ridden by V. Janacek, 2nd to Galipoli in her last start.

Extrañeza (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Caradak-Watchkeeper(Rudimentary)], owned by MG Racing, trained by M. J. Pérez. Ridden by M. Borrego. Was second to Ketala in the Valderas

Gimena (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Baptize-Maya Cove(Caerleon)], owned by Reza Pazooki, trained by F. Rodríguez. Ridden by J. L. Martínez

Infinity One (SPA, 2009) ch. filly [Green Tune-Tropical Chic(Thunder Gulch)], owne by Cuadra Tres y Medio, trained by B. Valenti. Ridden by O. O. de Urbina. Winner in her last start

La Gobernadora (GB, 2009), chestnut filly [Halling-Cyclone Connie(Dr. Devious)], owned by cuadra Santa Bárbara, trained by G. Arizkorreta. Ridden by J. L. Borrego

Nonalass (SPA, 2009), gray filly [Fol Parade-Beltza(Kalanisi)], owned by Cuadra Chamartín, trained by B. Valenti. Ridden by J. Horcajada. Winner in her last start. Her dam is half sister to Group performers Persian Ruler and Kashwan.

Pompon Coeur (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Green Tune-Villa Sonata(Mozart)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by F. Rodríguez. Ridden by J. Crocquevieille.

She Rules (FR, 2009), gray filly [Aussie Rules-Barannia (Barathea)], owned by Cuadra Zurraquín, trained by M. Hernández. Ridden by B. Fayos. Was third in the Premio Valderas

Sportside (IRE, 2009), bay filly [Refuse to Bend-Perfect Fun (Marju)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher S. Ridden by J. Grosjean Sportside is half sister to Faramir, winner of the GP de Madrid. She won her last start

The last winners of the Premio Comunidad de Madrid have been: Manivela (2011), Manly Dream (2010), Pituss (2009), Synergy (2008), La Flamenca (2007) and Baldoria (2006).


The rest of the meeting includes a 1,600 m claiming race for 4yo+, a 2,100 m split handicap for 3yo+, with two parts, a 1,800 m handicap for 3yo+, and a 1,200 m sprint for 3yo

Premio Benítez de Lugo (2,200 3yo+ fillies) this Sunday in Madrid

Racing returns to Madrid after the summer season, and the first big race is the traditional Premio Ricardo Ruiz Benítez de Lugo, a 2,200 m race for 3 yo+ fillies, with a purse of 21,000 euros for the winner.

The race this year seems like an almost exact reedition of the recent Premio Kutxa, won by Casaca in San Sebastián.

Partants are:

Casaca (GB, 2006) chestnut filly, [Medicean-Priena(Priolo)], owned by Cuadra África, trained by J. M. Osorio, ridden by J. Crocquevieille. Half to Entre Copas, has 14 starts, 4 wins, 5 placings and 73,463 euros.

Lisselan Beauty (USA, 2006), a bay filly [Black Mambo-Like to Shimmy], owned by Lisselan Farms Ltd., trained by A. R. Acosta, ridden by A. R. Acosta

Monyaar (FR, 2007), bay filly [Montjeu-Iktheyaar], owned by Cuadra Ussía-Figueroa, trained by G. Arizcorreta, ridden by M. Secci

Narya (IRE, 2007), bay filly [Halling-Badraan], owned by Cuadra Miranda, trained by M. Delcher S., ridden by J. Horcajada. Winner of the Beamonte in 2010, has been beaten repeatedly by Casaca this year.

Relámpago (GB, 2007) [Observatory-River City Moon], owned by Cuadra Tres y Medio, trained by B. Valenti, ridden by J. L. Martínez

Tasha Linda (IRE, 2007) [Where or When-Triple Two], owned by Cuadra Paganini, trained by T. Callejo, ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina

Clunia (IRE, 2008) [Silent Times-Doohulla], owned by Cuadra Brazacorta, trained by G. Villarta, ridden by Borja Fayos. Winner of the Beamonte (Oaks) and best 2yo filly in 2010. Second to Casaca in the Premio Kutxa.

Manivela (SPA, 2008) [Baptize-Cayena], owned by Cuadra Fantasia, trained by T. Callejo, ridden by J. C. Cerqueira. Won the Premio Comunidad de Madrid back in May.

Tafadhali (SPA, 2008) [Dyhim Diamond-Laida], owned by Cuadra Lajorquín, trained by J. López, ridden by J. Grosjean.

Recent winners of the Benitez de Lugo were: Para Elisa (2010), Fresneda (2009), Synergy (2008), Jade (2007) and Afriketa.

Premio Beamonte (Spanish Oaks) this Sunday

The main race of this next Sunday in the La Zarzuela track is the Premio Beamonte (Spanish Oaks), a 2,200 m race on turf for (obviously) 3 yo fillies.

The edition of this year is marked by the absence of Aspasia de Mileto, winner of the Premio Valderas (1,000 guineas), who will skip this race, presumably for an attempt to win the Premio Villapadierna (Derby) against the colts.

Partants will be:
Alteza (IRE, 2008) [Hawkeye-Your just lovely] owned by Mirinda Racing S.C., trained by T. Martins, will be ridden by J. C. Cerqueira.

Azamor (SPA, 2008) [Slickly-Red Bravo] owned by Cuadra El Herrojo, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek.


Bucovina (SPA, 2008)[Dyhim Diamond-Steppe Thon], property of Cuadra Vallejunco, is trained by J. L. Maroto and will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina. Bucovina was second in the Premio Atlántida and 4th in the Premio Valderas.

Clunia (IRE, 2008) [Silent Times-Doohulla], property of Cuadra Brazacorta, trained by Gerardo Villarta, will be ridden by Borja Fayos. She was the champion 2 yo filly in Spain in 2010, but his starts this year have been disappointing.

Harry can say (GB, 2008) [Hurricane Run-Hampton Lucy], owned by Cuadra Le Club, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego.

Herri Irratia (SPA, 2008) [Denver County-Etel Parade], owned by Cuadra Madroños, trained by M. Delcher, will be ridden by S. Martín.

La Llanura [El Prado-Herzblatt] owned by Cuadra Tiziano, trained by M. Delcher, will be ridden by Jorge Horcajada.

Manivela (SPA, 2008) [Baptize-Cayena], owned by Cuadra Fantasía, trained by Teo Callejo, will be ridden by F. Lynch. Manivela won the Premio Comunidad de Madrid, beating the also partants La Llanura, Tafadhali, Sinapsis and Neska.

Manivela (SPA). Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com


Neska (GB, 2008) [Silent Times-Market Trend], owned by Gonzalo Hernando Aboin, trained by A. Carrasco, will be ridden by J. E. Jarcovsky.

Sinapsis (GB, 2008)[Sinndar-Russian Beauty], owned by Roberto Cocheteaux, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J Crocquevieille. Sinapsis was fourth in the Premio Comunidad de Madrid.

Sinapsis. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com

Tafadhali (SPA, 2008) [Dyhim Diamond-Laila] is owned by Cuadra Lajorquín and trained by J. López and will be ridden by J. Grosjean.


The Premio Beamonte is held since 1952 (with the interruption of 1997-2005) in the La Zarzuela racetrack and includes among its winners great names of the Spanish turf, like Robertiya (winner in 1990 and dam of Volvoreta (runner up in the Arc de Triomphe won by Sinndar)), Teresa (winner in 1987) one of the best Spanish bred fillies of all time, who was 7th in the Arc won by Trempolino. Jockey Claudio Carudel won the Premio Beamonte none less than 13 times.

Last winners were: Epatha (2006), Golding Star (2007), La Galerna (2008), Carlota (2009) and Narya (2010).

Manivela (SPA) wins the Premio Comunidad de Madrid

Manivela (SPA, 2008) [Baptize-Cayena(Indian Danehill)] won today the Premio Comunidad de Madrid (2,100 turf, 3 y/o fillies) in the La Zarzuela racecourse. Ridden by F. Lynch for trainer Teo Callejo and Cuadra Fantasía, the bay filly came from behind to catch La Llanura (CAN) (third) and Tafadhali (SPA) (fourth) and win with a comfortable margin of two lengths. This is the first win for in Spain for F. Lynch who was champion apprentice jockey in the UK in 1996.

Manivela (SPA) beating La Llanura and Tafadhali. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com


There was an stewards inquiry because, although Lynch changed his whip from right to left, Manivela invaded the way of La Llanura while surpassing her.

Here is the race: Premio Comunidad de Madrid 2011


In the Premio Primer Paso, first race for 2 yos in Spain, the winner was Laura Moon (IRE) [Russian Blue-Partageuse(Green Tune)], ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina, for trainer A. Sánchez and Cuadra Manola with Galileus (SPA) [Sorcerous-Zone Spirit(Wild Zone)] second and Monte Napoleone (FR) [Fol Parade-Kyria(Grand Lodge)] third. And here is the race: Premio Primer Paso 2011.

Premio Comunidad de Madrid and first 2 y/os out this Sunday May 1th

The main race of Sunday May 1st is the Premio Comunidad de Madrid, a trial race for the Premio Beamonte (Spanish Oaks), that was traditionally called Premio Vizcondesa de Irueste. It is a 2,100 m race for 3 yo fillies. Partants are:

La Llanura (CAN, 2008) [El Prado-Herzblatt(Cozzene)] is a grey filly, trained by M. Delcher S. Will be ridden by Jorge Horcajada. She has three starts with one win and two places and there are big hopes put on her. Owned by Cuadra Tiziano.

Beroa (GB, 2008) [Tannenkonig-Proud Elegance(Dashing Blade)] is a bay filly owned and trained by Matías Borrego (also her jockey). She won at her debut and has also two placings for a total of 4 starts.

Gominola(IRE, 2008) [King's Best-Silly Game(Bigstone)]. Owned by Cuadra Canter and trained by E. León, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego. Three placings in four starts

Luna Blanca (SPA, 2008) [Dyhim Diamond-Silver White(Silver Cape)] unplaced in one start, she is owned by Cuadra Las Águilas, and trained by G. Villarta. Her jockey will be S. Martin

Manivela(SPA, 2008) [Baptize-Cayena(Indian Danehill)]. Won her last start. Owned by Cuadra Fantasía, trained by T. Callejo, will be ridden by F. Lynch.


Neska(GB, 2008) [Silent Times-Market Trend(Selkirk)] is owned by H. Hernando Aboin, trained by A. Carrasco and will be ridden by Borja Fayos. Two placings in three starts

Sinapsis(GB, 2008) [Sinndar-Russian Beauty(Diesis)] is owned by Roberto Cocheteaux, trained by J. M. Osorio and will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille. She won in her debut at two and disappointed in the Premio Atlántida in her second and last start

Tafadhali(SPA, 2008) [Dyhim Diamond-Laida(Slip Anchor)] was fifth in the Valderas (1,000 Guineas) after a winning debut. Probably 2,100 m will be better suited for her. Trained by J. López, will be ridden by F. Jiménez for Cuadra Lajorquín

Voddka Lemon(GB, 2008) [Fruhlingssturm-Clever Clogs(Nahswan)], second in her only start, to Tafadhali. She is owned by De La Fuente Stud, trained by Yan Durepaire and will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina.


Alto in this meeting, the Premio Primer Paso, the first race for the 2009 generation, with 800 m, which includes 13 partants