Matusalén won the GP Claudio Carudel

Matusalen (SPA, 2009), bay colt [Caradak-Bixaare(Xaar)], owned by Cuadra Miranda, trained by M. Delcher S and ridden by Charles Nora, won last Sunday the GP Claudio Carudel (1,600m, 3yo+, 25,500 euros for the winner) at the La Zarzuela racetrack of Madrid, beating Mil Azul (SPA, 2008), bay colt [Russian Blue-Cuittled(Charismatic)], owned by Yeguada Urdiñ-Oriya, trained by J. L. de Salas and ridden by J. L. Borrego, with Weststow (GB, 2008), ch. colt [Medicean-Summer Sunset(Grand Lodge)], owned by Cuadra Viguria, trained by J. M. Osorio in third place and Bellaside fourth.
The rest of the participants were Ariete Arrollador, Jokan, Volcánico, Tirion, Shumookh and Risby

The pace was very fast, with Shumookh and Risby putting some distance between them and the rest of the field. In the straight, Mil Azul was the first to attack, with Bellaside and Weststow, but Matusalén closed very strongly to win by a length.

Matusalén was the unbeaten champion 2 yo in Spain and then travelled to Dubai, where he encountered some problems, including a respiratory illness. Back in Spain he had two disappointing performances in the Cimera and GP Nacional.

Here is the video, with footage also of the 2011 edition : GP Claudio Carudel 2012


In the rest of the meeting:

Collio Side (Caradak) won the 1,200 m race for 2yos, with Zahora and Yakarak 2nd and 3rd, getting a 1-2-3 for Caradak

The 1,200 m race for 3yo+ Spanish breds was won by Azabache (Iceman), with Tagomago (Dyhim Diamond) second

Bipolar (Denver County) won the first part of the split handicap (1,800 m) with Literario (Devil Moon) 2nd

Bouquetot Belle (Graeme Hall) won the 2nd part, with Draco (Baptize) 2nd.

Patricio (Sulamani) won the 1,600 m handicap, with Sharp Eye (Okawango) 2nd.

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

Nuredyn wins the Premio Cimera

Nuredyn (FR, 2009) [Dyhim Diamond-Nurenieva(Enrique)], the bay colt owned by Cuadra Zurraquín and trained by Mariano Hernández, won yesterday the Premio Cimera (Spanish 2,000 Guineas, 1,600 m, 3yo colts, 24,000 euros for the winner) with jockey Oscar Ortiz de Urbina, beating Riky Rock (Invincible Spirit) by two and a half lengths and Celtic Rock (Rock of Gibraltar), with Joropo (Kheleyf) fourth.

Nuredyn with Oscar Ortiz de Urbina, winners of the Cimera. Photo courtesy of http://turfarganda.blogspot.com

Stratvs Canarias and Albret jointly lead the race, with a fast pace, with favourite Matusalén in a comfortable position in the middle of the field and Nuredyn last. In the home straight, Riky Rock attacked in what seemed a decisive way, but Nuredyn came very strongly from the outside to win easily.

Here is the video: http://www.hipodromodelazarzuela.es/carreras/carrera/video/34793 and here is a 15 minutes video (including footage of the previous edition): Premio Cimera 2012

The dam of Nuredyn, Nurenieva, was herself a Classic winner of the Spanish 1,000 Guineas in 2006 and was also second to Jade in the Memorial Duque de Toledo and third in the Premio Villamejor (Spanish St. Leger), for the same owners, Cuadra Zurraquín, breeders of the Nuredyn. It's the third Classic for Cuadra Zurraquín that also won the Spanish Derby with Premier Galop. And it's the second Classic win for Dyhim Diamond, sire also of Bannaby, who won the Villamejor.

In the rest of the meeting, Giggolo Star (also by Dyhim Diamond) won the 2,200 m race for Spanish bred 3yo, Paniside (Panis) won the 1,400 m race for maiden 3yo, Ranyan (Gold Away) won the 2,100 m race for maiden 3yo, Don Hernando Hab (Delfos) won the 2,000 m claiming race for 4yo+ and Eco Jar (Wagon Master) won the 2,100 m handicap for 4yo+

Premio Cimera (2,000 Guineas), Sunday 15, La Zarzuela

The highlight of the meeting of this Sunday at La Zarzuela, Madrid ,is the Premio Cimera (1,600 m, 3yo colts, 24,000 euros for the winner) that this year will have a field of 9 colts, after one of the entries (Oberón) died this week in the training track.

The nine participants are:

Albret (IRE, 2009), gray colt [Clodovil-Piccelina(Piccolo)], owned by Cuadra Quinto Real, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by Vaclav Janacek. He won the Critérium Internacional last summer in San Sebastián and was second to Spahirside in the Torre Arias


Celtic Rock (GB, 2009), chestnut colt [Rock of Gibraltar-Luna Celtica(Celtic Swing)], owned by Cuadra Habit, trained by J. C. Fernández, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez.

Joropo (FR, 2009), bay colt [Kheleyf-Noble World(Winged Love)], owned by R. Cocheteaux, trained by X. Thomas, will be ridden by R. C. Montenegro.

Matusalen (SPA, 2009), bay colt [Caradak-Bixaare(Xaar)], owned by Cuadra Miranda, trained by M. Delcher, will be ridden by J. Horcajada. He was champion 2yo in 2011, winning the Gran Critérium and has run in Meydan, being fifth in the Meydan Classic  with a disappointing performance in his second race there.

Matusalén, champion 2yo in 2011, with Jorge Horcajada.  Photo courtesy of http://turfarganda.blogspot.com

Nuredyn (FR, 2009), bay colt [Dyhim Diamond-Nurenieva(Enrique)], owned by Cuadra Zurraquín, trained by M. Hernández, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina. 2nd in the Gran Criterium, third in the Torre Arias.

Otro Gintonic (GB, 2009), bay colt [Trade Fair-Nuit Sans Fin(Lead on Time)], owned by Cuadra Factor Sorpresa, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego.

Riky Rock (IRE, 2009), a bay colt [Invincible Spirit-Hataana(Robellino)] owned by Cuadra Bloke, trained by J. A. Rodríguez, will be ridden by Borja Fayos.

Saphirside (IRE, 2009), a bay colt [Elusive City-Silirisa(Sillery)], owned by Cuadra SafSaf, trained by M. Delcher, will be ridden by J. Grosjean. Winner of the Premio Torre Arias , beating Albret, Nuredyn and Celtic Rock.

Stratvs Canarias (IRE, 2009),a bay colt [Soviet Star-Hekayaat(Sinndar)], owned by Cuadra Grupo Bolaños, trained by Enrique León, will be ridden by J Crocquevieille. Unbeaten in two starts, he won the Handicap Opcional  beating Otro Gintonic

Stratvs Canarias. Photo courtesy of http://turfarganda.blogspot.com

The winner of the Cimera last year was Festeiro (Fol Parade)


The rest of the Sunday meeting includes a 2,200 m race for Spanish bred 3yos, a 1,400 m race for 3yos, a 2,100 m race for 3yos, a claiming 2,000 race for 4yos and a 2,100 m handicap for 4yos,

Matusalen was fifth in the Meydan Classic

The champion 2yo colt in spain in 2011 Matusalen (SPA, 2009) [Caradak-Bixaare(Xaar)], owned by Cuadra Aller, trained by M Delcher and ridden by Borja Fayos, was fifth in the Meydan Classic, less than two lengths from the winner Burano (Dalakhani), after travelling last for most of the race.

He entered the straight in last place but, when asked by Fayos (wearing the colors of Cuadra Miranda: blue body, red cap and red epaulettes) he quickened nicely and went bravely in-between horses, to reach the rail and reaching the post close to the four horses that beat him.

Matusalen was unbeaten in Spain in four starts and he was entered in the UAE 2000 Guineas, although some problems kept him from racing that day.


This is the video:
Meydan Classic 2012

Ariete Arrollador, Matusalén, Plantagenet, As de Trébol to run in Meydan

The Spanish representation in the Dubai Carnival 2012 will include:

As de Trébol (USA, 2006) [Tapit-Adelphi(Danzig)], who already ran in Meydan in 2011, being third in the Business Banking Handicap and also third in the Gr. 3 Emirates Burj Nahar, is owned by Cuadra Chicago and trained by M. Delcher S.

Also trained by M. Delcher is Matusalén (SPA, 2009) [Caradak-Bixaare(Xaar)], the top 2yo in Spain, unbeaten in 4 starts, including the Gran Criterium. He is owned by Cuadra Aller and comes from the first crop of Caradak. He was entered in the 2,000 m Criterium at Saint Cloud, but did not finally run.


There will be two horses trained by Guillermo Arizkorreta in the Dubai season:

Ariete Arrollador (GB, 2007) [Kingsalsa-Proud Douna] won the Premio Cimera (2,000 Guineas) at three and recently won the Listed Prix Luthier at Deauville. He is owned by Cuadra Albero.

Plantagenet (SPA, 2007) [Trade Fair-Crafty Buzz(Crafty Prospector)] won the Villapadierna (Spanish Derby). He is owned by Cuadra Whylar.

Casaca, Bellaside, Matusalen to run Group races in France

Casaca (GB, 2006) [Medicean-Priena(Priolo)], a chestnut filly, owned by Cuadra África and trained by J.M. Osorio, has been entered in the Prix Fille de l'Air (Group III), a 2,100 m race for 3yo+ fillies in the Toulouse racecourse, next November 11th.

Casaca is arguably the best filly in Spain, since she has won both the Premio Kutxa in San Sebastián (summer) and the Premio Benítez de Lugo in Madrid (autumn). She was second in both classics (Valderas and Beamonte) in 2009, and she has repeatedly beaten this year both the 2010 and 2011 Oaks winners (Narya and Clunia). She is half sister to Entre Copas, winner of the Mijas Cup and the GP Ciudad de Madrid

Casaca after winning the Benítez de Lugo. Photo courtesy of Turfarganda.blogspot.com


Bellaside (IRE, 2007) [La Vie dei Colori-Brockton Saga], owned by Cuadra Bolaños and trained by Enrique León, is also entered in the Prix Fille de l'Air. She won the Listed Pietro Bessero (1,600 m) in Milan this year. Bellaside is property of Cuadra Bolaños and is trained by Enrique León.

Meanwhile, Matusalen (SPA, 2009) [Caradak-Bixaare(Xaar)] is entered in the Gran Criterium (St. Cloud), a Gr. 1 race for 2yo, over a distance of 2,000 m to be run November 12th at St. Cloud. Matusalen has won his 4 starts, including the Gran Criterium, the most important race for 2 yo in Spain. Matusalen belongs to the first crop of Caradak. He is owned by Cuadra Aller and trained by M. Delcher S.

Also from the first crop of Caradak is Fearside, who will run in the Criterium de Languedoc, Toulouse, Nov. 11th.

Matusalén wins the Gran Critérium

Matusalén (SPA, 2009) [Caradak-Bixaare(Xaar)], owned by Cuadra Aller, trained by M. Delcher S and ridden by Jorge Horcajada, won today the Gran Critérium (1,600 m, 2yo) in the La Zarzuela racetrack, with Nuredyn (FR, 2009) [Dyhim Diamond-Nurenieva(Enrique)] (Cuadra Zurraquín, tr. by M. Hernández, ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina) second, one and a half lengths behind and Plenipotenciario (IRE, 200) [Caradak-Poliaurea(Poliglote)] (Cuadra Ussía-Hinojosa, trained by J. L. de Salas, ridden by Ryan Moore) third another length behind. Gran Chipi was fourth.

Saphirside took the lead and maintained it until the beginning of the home stretch. Nuredyn launched his attack (with somewhat immature ways), but a more serious Matusalen catch him to win. Plenipotenciario came from behind to finish third.

Matusalen (SPA, 2009) [Caradak-Bixaare(Xaar)], winning the Gran Criterium. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com


Matusalén remains unbeaten in four starts, and his wins include the Criterium Nacional (San Sebastián, Spanish bred 2yos, the Premio Dehesa de Milagro (bonus race for the Milagro Sale) and this Gran Critérium, the top race for 2yo. His win represents the first win in the Gran Critérium for a Spanish bred since the reopening of La Zarzuela in 2005.

Caradak wins the most important race for 2yo with his first crop, scoring also the third place of Plenipotenciario.

Here is the video:
Gran Critérium 2011

Gran Critérium, 1,600 m, 2 yo, Sunday 23th in Madrid

One of the highlights of the autumn season in Madrid (La Zarzuela) is the Gran Criterium, a 1,600 m race for 2 yo, the most important race for two year olds, that will be run this next Sunday. The 2011 edition has the added interest of the presence of one of the leading jockeys in England, Ryan Moore, who will ride Plenipotenciario.

The partants this year, next Sunday are all colts:

Celtic Rock (GB, 2009) [Rock of Gibraltar-Luna Celtica], owned by Cuadra Habit, trained by J. C. Fernández, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille. Second to Albret in the Criterium Internacional in San Sebastián.

Gran Chipi (FR, 2009) [Green Tune-Cerita], owned by Cuadra Popular, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego. Gran Chipi is half sister to Abril (Anabaa), a very good filly (Dual Classic placed and winner of the Premio Kutxa)

Matusalen (SPA, 2009) [Caradak-Bixaare], owned by Cuadra Aller, trained by M. Delcher S., will be ridden by J. Horcajada. Unbeaten in three starts, including the Criterium Nacional in San Sebastián and the Premio Dehesa de Milagro, beating the then Listed placed Monte Napoleone

Nuredyn (SPA, 2009) [Dyhim Diamond-Nurenieva], owned by Cuadra Zurraquín, trained by M. Hernández, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina. He won the Copa de Criadores in his last start.

Otro Gintonic (GB, 2009) [Trade Fair-Nuit Sans Fin], owned by Cuadra Factor Sorpresa, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek.

Plenipotenciario (IRE, 2009) [Caradak-Poliaurea], owned by Cuadra Ussía-Hinojosa, trained by J L. de Salas, will be ridden by Ryan Moore. Winner of his only start: video beating Saphirside and Nuredyn.

Saphirside (IRE, 2009) [Elusive City-Silirisa], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by J. Grosjean. Beaten by Plenipotenciario, he won his next start.

Last winners of the Gran Critérium have been: Volcánico (2010), Adjuge (2009), As de Trébol (in 2008), Rituss (2007), What a Caper (2006) and Baldoria (2005).

Monte Napoleone, second in the Criterium de Bordeaux (Listed race)

Monte Napoleone (FR, 2009) [Fol Parade-Kyria(Grand Lodge)], the bay colt owned by Cuadra San Ignacio and trained by Roberto López was 2nd today in the Listed Criterium de Bordeaux, a 1,600 m race in the Bordeaux-Le Bouscat racecourse, beaten by the favourite Dear Lavinia (Grand Slam)

This was the fifth start for Monte Napoleone, who was third to Laura Moon and Galileus in his debut, won his next start and then was second to Vladimir (later placed in the Gr. 1 Prix Morny and exported to Hong Kong) beating Albret (who then won the Criterium Internacional) and second to the unbeaten Matusalen (Caradak) in the Premio Dehesa de Milagro.

Here is the race: Grand Criterium de Bordeaux 2011

This is the first black type performer for the Argentinian stallion Fol Parade (ARG, 2002) [Parade Marshall-Sadlers Folie(CAreafolie)], who run in Spain and stands at the Diputación de Orense.

Matusalen wins the Criterium Nacional

Matusalén (SPA, 2009) [Caradak-Bixaare(Xaar)] a bay colt property of Cuadra Aller, trained by M. Delcher S. and ridden by J. Horcajada, won the Premio El País - Criterium Nacional (1,400 m, 2yo, Spanish bred) in the Lasarte-Oria racecourse (San Sebastián), beating Flash McQueen (SPA, 2009), a filly by Dyhim Diamond and Peinture D'Or (Peintre Celebre) ridden by R.C. Montenegro for trainer A. Imaz and owner C. Boutin, with Azabache (b. c., SPA, 2009) [Iceman-Tiviski(Desert Style)] third and Leitzarán (b.f., SPA, 2009, Dyhim Diamond fourth). Matusalén is one of the two winners from three runners for freshman sire Caradak, who stands at Dehesa Milagro.

Here is the race: Criterium Nacional 2011

Other races of the meeting included the first win for Francesco Cara (FR, 2008) [Della Francesca-Magic Cara(Akarad) in the Premio tax Asesoría y Gestión, a 2,200 m race for 3 y/o. Francesco Cara, who was ridden by J. C. Cerqueira for Cuadra Santa Bárbara and trained T. Callejo, is half brother to Spanish Oaks placed Johanie Cara. The filly Ramallah (SPA, 2008) [Federal Trial-Utrech(DOn Roberto)] was second, with Black Moon (b.f., IRE, 2008) (High Chaparral), third.

There was also a 2,000 race for Spanish bred 3y/0, won by Lionel Star (b. c., 2008, FR) [Silent Times-Lady Creee(Medicean)], with J. L. Borrego, for trainer M. J. Pérez and Cuadra Los Hierros, with Goimendi (OKawango-SPA) and Don Hernando Hab third.