Premio Antonio Blasco and Copas de Criadores tomorrow at LZ

This Sunday, the highlight of the La Zarzuela meeting is the Premio Antonio Blasco (1,400 m, 2yo+, 12,000 euros for the winner), with the following participants (no 2yos this year):


Ariete Arrollador (GB, 2007), bay colt [Kingsalsa-Proud Douna(Kaldoun)], owned by Cuadra Albero, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez. Scratched.

As de Trébol (USA, 2006), gray colt [Tapit-Adelphi(Danzig)], owned by Cuadra Chicago, trained by M. Delcher, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina Comes from his 6th place in the Nearctic Stakes G1 (Canada).

Mil Azul (SPA, 2008), bay colt [Russian Blue-Cuittled(Charismatic)], owned by Yeguada Urdiñ-Oriya, trained by J. L. de Salas, will be ridden by Jorge Horcajada

Risby (IRE, 2008), bay gelding [Big Shuffle-Lonicera(Charmer), owned by Cuadra Viguria, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille

S Grillo (GB, 2008), gray gelding [Val Royal- Santiago Blue(Relaunch)], owned by Cuadra Ussía-Figueroa, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek.

Negrete (SPA, 2009), bay colt [Hold that Tiger-Helena Smile(Southern Halo)], owned by Cuadra Jarilla, trained by F. Pérez, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego

The winner last year was Abdel

There are also two 1,500 m races for Spanish bred 2yos, the Copas de Criadores, one for colts and the other one for fillies, with 9,500 euros for the winner of each race:

The Copa de Criadores for colts has the following participants:


Aarhus (SPA, 2010), chestnut colt [Dyhim Diamond-Ensis(Zieten)], owned by Cuadra El Molino, trained by J. López, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina. Was 2nd in his only start. His dam Ensis was Listed performer.

Dubrovnik (SPA, 2010), bay colt [Dyhim Diamond-Delta(Istoriato)[, owned byY. Las Cuevas, trained by J. Calderón, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille. Winner of 2 races.

Duendecillo (SPA, 2010), ch. colt [Visindar-Chloe(Green Desert), owned by Cuadra Isabel, trained by I. Gómez, will be ridden by A. Gómez, Unbeaten in 2 starts, half brother to Doende (Wagon Master)

Labros (SPA, 2010), bay colt [Dyhim Diamond-Sunset Fily (Lil's Lad)], owned by Cuadra Dosemes, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by J. Horcajada. Winner in his 2nd start.

Mayo (SPA, 2010), bay colt [Sakhee-Abril(Anabaa)], owned by Cuadra Ussía-Figueroa, trained by G. Arizcorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek. Winner in his last start.

Pikerson (SPA, 2010), bay colt [Dyhim Diamond-Pashmiyina(Highest Honor)]. owned by Cuadra Cielo dr Madrid, trained by O. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego. He is half brother to Cambalache GR (winner of the GP Nacional)

Recent winners have been Nuredyn (2011), Banbu (2010), Jakemate (2009), Tirillas (2008), Sideside (2007), Newango (2006), Boabdil (2005).

In the Copa de Criadores for fillies, participants are:

Alabarda (SPA, 2010), bay filly [Dyhim Diamond-Eiren Surprise(Danetime)], owned by Cuadra Il Padrino, trained by R. López, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina.

Albuhera (SPA, 2010), bay filly [Devil Moon-Lili d'Aubois(Lycius)], owned by Cuadra Cacharela, trained by J. A. Rodríguez, will be ridden by Nieves García

Artesa (GB, 2010), chestnut filly [Medecis-Pas le Temps(Be My Guest)], owned by Cuadra Bloke, trained by J. A. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez

Briseida (SPA, 2010), gray filly [Keltos-Tiviski(Desert Style)], owned by Cuadra Los Toneles, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille.

Cariñosa (SPA, 2010), bay filly [Fol Parade-Emerald Princess(Even Top)], owned by Cuadra Donalfa, trained by M. J. Pérez, will be ridden by J Horcajada.

La Bopperia (SPA, 2010), chestnut filly [Dyhim Diamond-Katherine(Don Roberto)], owned by Cuadra Bolak, trained by J. C. Fernández, will be ridden by  A. Gómez, own sister to Eltso.

Napa Side (SPA, 2010), ch. filly [Dyhim Diamond-Free Lunch(Vettori)], owned by Cuadra Saf Saf, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. Grosjean

Sol Dyhim (SPA, 2010), ch. filly [Dyhim Diamond-Solin(Songlines)], owned by Cuadra Manola, trained by A. Sánchez, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego

Winners in recent years have been Vraivita (2011), Ventura (2010), Cris Cross (2009), Desdella (2008), Sorayah (2007) and Casbah (2006)


The Premio Veil Picard (2yos, 1,800 m), the Premio Victoria Eugenia (Hdcp, 1,800 m, 3yo+) and a claming race for 3yo+ over 2,200 m complete the card

Cielo Canarias won the GP Hispanidad

Cielo Canarias (IRE, 2008), a bay gelding [Exceed and Excel-Summer Dance(Saddler's Wells)], owned by Cuadra Grupo Bolaños, trained by E. León and ridden by J. L. Martínez won last Friday at the La Zarzuela racetrack the GP Hispanidad (1,600 m, 3yo+, weight for age, 24,000 euros for the winner), beating easily Weststow (Medicean) by four lengths, with Jakemate (Denver County) and Mil Azul (Russian Blue) close third and fourth.

This fourth consecutive win of Cielo Canarias means he has won two of the top miles of the year (Gobierno Vasco and GP Hispanidad), which makes him the best miler in Spain.

Cielo Canarias winning the GP Hispanidad 2012. Photo courtesy of www.gacetahipodromo.com

 Here is the video (including footage of the previous edition, won by Abdel): GP Hispanidad 2012

The favourite Ariete Arrollador didn't have a good travel and Silverside finished last in his reappearance after one year without racing.


Other winners of the Friday meeting were:

Labros (Dyhim Diamond) in the 1,400 m race for Spanish bred 2yos

Don Hernando Hab (Delfos) in the 1,800 m claiming race for amateur jockeys

Monte (Singspiel) in the 2,000 m race for maiden 3yo and

Teobaldo (Singspiel) in the 2,800 m  handicap

GP de la Hispanidad tomorrow at La Zarzuela

 This Friday, National holiday in Spain, is the running of the GP de la Hispanidad, one of the highlights of the autumn season and one of the six races under consideration for upgrading to Listed level next year. It is a 1,600 m race for 3yo+, with a purse of 24,000 euros for the winner.

These horses will run this year.

Ariete Arrollador (GB, 2007), bay colt [Kingsalsa-Proud Douna(Kaldoun)], owned by Cuadra Albero, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek. Probably the favourite, he won the preparatory race for 4yo+. He was 2nd to Abdel last year

Cielo Canarias (IRE, 2008), bay gelding [Exceed and Excel-Summer Dance(Saddler's Wells)], owned by Cuadra Grupo Bolaños, trained by E. León, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez. He won his last three starts, including the Gobierno Vasco in San Sebastián (also considered for Listed level)

Dunnboinee (IRE, 2008), ch. colt. [King's Best-For Starters(In the Wings)], owned by Cuadra Martul, trained by A. Imaz, will be ridden by G. Madero. He has run mostly over 2,000 m

Jakemate (SPA, 2007), bay gelding [Denver County-Shiva(Policy Matter)], owned by Cuadra Cruceña, trained by J. López,, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina.

Mil Azul (SPA, 2008), bay colt [Russian Blue-Cuittled(Charismatic)], owned by Yeguada Urdiñ-Oriya, trained by J. L. de Salas, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego

Silverside (USA, 2006), bay colt [Pleasantly Perfect-Lyrical Ghost(Silver Ghost)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher, will be ridden by J. Grosjean. This globetrotter won this race in 2009 and 2010. He was Classic winner of the Premio Cimera (Guineas) in 2009 and has run in France, Germany, Dubai, Norway, England and Spain.. He has the best rating of the race, but comes from almost a year without running.

Weststow (GB, 2008), ch. colt [Medicean-Summer Sunset(Grand Lodge)], owned by Cuadra Viguria, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille.

Dakside (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Caradak-La Lola(Zafonic)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. B. Eyquem

La Llanura (CAN, 2008), gray filly [El Prado-Herzblatt(Cozzene)], owned by Cuadra Tiziano, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by J. Horcajada

Valiant Blue (IRE, 2009), bay colt [Moss Vale-Tiltili(Spectrum)], owned by Cuadra Agrado, trained by Teo Callejo, will be ridden by J. B. Hamel. Winner of the prep race for 3yo.



Last winners of the GP Hispanidad are: Abdel (2011), Silverside (2010 and 2009), Shumookh (2008), Solita (2007), Trip to the Moon (2006) and Young Tiger.(2005)


Other races of the card are a 1,400 m for Spanish bred 2yos, a 1,800 m claiming race for 3yo+  (including Bottega and Hispanidad winner Shumookh), a 2,000 m race for maiden 3yos and a 2,800 m handicap

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.

Galipoli wins the Premio Velayos

Galipoli (FR, 2009), a bay colt [Sulamani-Weet Willa(Assert)], won today the Premio Velayos, with jockey Vaclav Janacek, for trainer Teo Callejo and owners Cuadra San Rafael. He beat Fortun (IRE, 2009), a bay colt [Bachelor Duke-Duckmore Bay(Titus Livius)], owned by Cuadra La Toledana, trained by J. L. Maroto by a length, with Cardolan (IRE, 2009), b. c. [Azamour-Plutonia(Sadler's Wells)] third some 5 lengths behind.

The Premio Velayos (2,200 m, 3yo, 15,000 euros for the winner) is a traditional prep race for the Premio Villapadierna (Spanish Derby).

Galipoli (Sulamani) beats Fortun in the Premio Velayos. Photo courtesy of http://turfarganda.blogspot.com

Here is the video: Premio Velayos 2012  and here is a 11 min video:: Premio Velayos 2012

Thsi is the third win in as many starts for Galipoli, half brother to the Group 3 winners Holberg and Undermine. His dam, Sweet Willa is own sister to the G1W Willa on the Move (Ashland Stakes, 2nd Spinster Stakes, Gazelle Stakes).

The other highlight of the meeting was the 3rd race, Premio La Razón - Premio Andrés Covarrubias , a 1,400 m race for 4yo, won by Mil Azul (SPA, 2008), a bay colt [Russian Blue-Cuittled(Charismatic)] , owned by Cuadra Urdiñ-Oriya, trained by J. L. Salas and ridden by J. L. Borrego, who beat As de Trébol (Tapit) and Volcánico (Refuse to Bend), with S Grillo fourth. Here is the video: Premio La Razón - Andrés Covarrubias

In the first race (1,400 m, 4yo+, split handicap,  2nd part), the winner was Vega de Castilla (Golan), wih Pedreña (Dyhim Diamond) second

The 2nd race, Premio Cruzcampo (1,600 m, amateur jockeys) was won by Libertino (Daliapour), with Sandoval (Ishiguru) 2nd.

In the first part of the 1,400 m split handicap, the winner was Liniberto (Bertolini), with As de Thomas (Bahri) 2nd.

In the last race, a 2,400 m race for 4yo+, the winner was Meneldor (Barathea), with Porquenotecallas (Fantastic Light) second

Abdel wins the Antonio Blasco in an impressive performance

The heavy favourite, Abdel (FR, 2008) [Dyhim Diamond-Leonor de Guzmán(Glauco)], the bay colt owned and trained by J.M. Osorio, duque de Alburquerque and ridden by Jeremy Crocquevieille, won today the Premio Antonio Blasco (1,400 m, 2yo+), leaving five lenghts behind Mil Azul (SPA, 2008) [Russian Blue-Cuittled(Charismatic)] second and Risby (SPA, 2008) [Big Shuffle-Lonicera(Charmer)] third by a head.

This is the fifth win in eight starts for Abdel, who totals 79,000 euros in prize money. Abdel has been third in the GP Nacional (2,200 m), won the prep race for 3yo for the Copa de Oro de San Sebastián, was second in the Copa de Oro de San Sebastián (2,400 m) and, running now in shorter distances, he has done two great performances, winning the GP Hispanidad (1,600 m, 3yo+, the most important mile in the autumn) and now this Premio Antonio Blasco (1,400 m) with a fantastic performance again.

Here is the video: Premio Antonio Blasco 2011. Abdel's colors are: blue body, red sleeves and cap (the popular silks of the Duque de Alburquerque).

Besides Abdel, Dyhim Diamond, had two winners today: Tagomago, winner of the first part of the Handicap and Diamant du Soleil (SPA, 2008), ch. colt, [Dyhim Diamond-Solina], who won his first race, the 7th of the meeting (Handicap Infanta Isabel).

In the first race of the program, for 2 yo, there was a 1-2 for Caradak, when Fearside beat El Crack. Both are owned by Cuadra Safsaf.

In the race for 2yo debutants, the winner was Stratus Canarias (IRE, 2009) a bay colt, [Soviet Star-Hekayaat(Sinndar)], owned by Cuadra Grupo Bolaños, trained by Enrique León and ridden by Alvaro Gómez, beating Vereda (Kheleyf)(half sister to Lorgan), Vallarta (Devil Moon) and Paniside (Panis).
Video: Premio Marca. The 2nd dam of Stratus Canarias (who left a very good impression with this 4 lengths win) is 3/4 sister to Sakhee.

Stratus Canarias (IRE, 2009) [Soviet Star-Hekayaat(Sinndar)]. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com

Premio Antonio Blasco (1,400 m, 2yo+) Sunday 30th

The Premio Antonio Blasco is a 1,400 m race that represents the first important race for 2 yo+. It is named after the great owner-breeder Antonio Blasco Oller, one of the most important figures in racing in the twentieth century in Spain. He owned the Cuadra Rosales which means he was the owner of some of the best horses in the second half of the century, like Chacal, Teresa, Takala, My Mourne, Casualidad, Richal, Lorgot, Dual Sea, Barilone, Clamor and a very long etc.

He also had horses out of Spain, being the most prominent the Prix de L'Opera winner Dona Barod and Pharly, second to Blushing Groom in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains.

The last winners of the Premio Antonio Blasco have been: Peñalén (2010), Mariscal (2009), Lorgan (2008), Lessing (2007) and Prince d'Orange

The partans this year are:

Lince ch. c (GB, 2007) [Singspiel-Cuclone Connie(Dr. Devious)], owned by Cuadra Los Toneles, trained by F. Rodríguez, ridden by M. Borrego.

Abdel bay c (FR, 2008) [Dyhim Diamond-Leonor de Guzmán(Glauco)], owned and trained by J. M. Osorio, Duque de Alburquerque, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille. He won the GP Hispanidad 2011, and was second in the Copa de Oro de San Sebastián.

Cielo Canarias, bay geld. (IRE, 2008) [Exceed and Excel-Summer Dance(Sadler's Wells)] owned by Cuadra Grupo Bolaños, trained by E. León, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez

Golfo Pérsico, bay colt (IRE, 2008) [Diamond Green-Bajan Belle(Efisio)], owned by Toneles-Pazooki, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. Grosjean.

Mil Azul, bay colt., [Russian Blue-Cuittled(Charismatic)], owned by Yeguada Urdiñ-Oriya, trained by J. L. de Salas, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego.

Risby, bay geld. (IRE, 2008) [Big Shuffle-Lonicera(Charmer)], owned by Cuadra Viguria, trained by J.M. Osorio, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina

S Grillo, black colt (GB, 2008) [Val Royal-Santiago Blue(Relaunch)], owned by Cuadra Ussía-Figueroa, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek. He won his last start: Premio AEPCC, a 1,100 m sprint, beating Golfo Pérsico by a nose.

Pippa Snudge, bay filly (IRE, 2009) [Strategic Prince-River Grand(Grand Lodge)] owned by Sunshin Racing, trained by P. Haley, will be ridden by A. Gómez. The only 2yo and the only filly of the race. She has four starts with two wins and two seconds.

Abdel wins the GP de la Hispanidad

Abdel (FR, 2008) [Dyhim Diamond-Leonor de Guzmán(Glauco)], bred, owned and trained by J.M. Osorio (Duque de Alburquerque), won last Sunday the GP de la Hispanidad, a 1,600 m race for 3yo+, weight for age, and one of the highlights of the Madrid Autumn season. He was ridden by Jeremy Crocquevieille. Abdel went second behind Tirión for most of the race, and he won easily by two and a half lengths. Ariete Arrollador (GB, 2007) [Kingsalsa-Proud Douna(Kaldoun)] was second, with Bellaside third and Weststow fourth.

Abdel and Jeremy Crocquevieille, winner of the GP Hispanidad 2011. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com

This is the fourth win in seven starts for Abdel, who was second last time out in the GP Copa de Oro de San Sebastián (2,400 m) in the summer and third in the GP Nacional (2,200) in the spring. This is also the biggest win for stallion Dyhim Diamond since the wins of the French bred Bannaby.

Here is the video: GP Hispanidad 2011

Dyhim Diamond scored also in the Copa de Criadores for Spanish bred colts, when Nuredyn (FR-asim., 2009) [Dyhim Diamond-Nurenieva(Enrique)] beat Dakside (Caradak) by three quarters of a length. Nuredyn is owned and was bred by Cuadra Zurraquín, his trainer is Mariano Hernández and was ridden by J. Crocquevieille (leader of the jockey standings, who won three times this Sunday). Nuredyn's dam, Nurenieva won the Poule de Potrancas - 1000 Guineas, was fourth in the Beamonte (Oaks), second in the Memorial Duque de Toledo and in the Premio Kutxa and third in the Villamejor (St. Leger). Here is the race: Copa de Criadores (potros) 2011

The equivalent for fillies was won byVraivita (SPA, 2009) [Fol Parade-Vraivert(Vert Amande)], owned by Cuadra Luxemburgo, trained by Roberto López and ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina, with Castellana (SPA, 2009) [Yorik-Fellinia(War Chant)] second.

Here is the video: Copa de Criadores (potrancas) 2011

GP de la Hispanidad this Sunday

One of the highlights of the Madrid autumn season is this Sunday's GP de la Hispanidad, a 1,600 m race for 3yo+, weight for age.

The partants this year are:
Ariete Arrollador (GB, 2007), a bay colt. [Kongsalsa-Proud Douna], owned by Cuadra Albero, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego. Winner of the Cimera (2000 Guineas) last year.

Volapie (SPA, 2007), bay gelding [Multazem-Bassaver], owned by Cuadra Romana Alta, trained by M. J. Pérez, will be ridden by R. H. Huayas.

Abdel (SPA, 2008), a bay colt [Dyhim Diamond-Leonor de Guzmán], owned and trained by J. M. Osorio, Duque de Alburquerque, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille. Has been running in 2200+ races, including his second place in the Copa de Oro de San Sebastián, now goes to the mile.

Bellaside (IRE, 2007), a bay filly [La Vie dei Colori-Brockton Saga], owned by Grupo Bolaños-Gran Canaria, E. León, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez. She was second to Volcánico in the Gobierno Vasco and then he won the Listed Premio Pietro Bessero in Milan. Was second in the 2010 edition.

Hands Up (FR, 2008), a bay colt [Panis-Bali Bloom], owned by Cuadra Nostrum, trained by J. L. Maroto, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina.

Mil Azul (SPA, 2008) a bay colt [Russian Blue-Cuittled], owned by Yeguada Ordiñ-Oriya, trained by J. L. Salas, will be ridden by J. C. Cerqueira.

Tirión (USA, 2008), a bay colt [Royal Academy-Domenica's Dream], owned by Cuadra Chicago, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by Jorge Horcajada.

Volcánico (IRE, 2008), a bay colt [Refuse to Bend-Zayana], owned by Cuadra Los Toneles, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. Grosjean. Champion 2yo colt in 2010, he has won the GP Claudio Carudel in the spring and the Gobierno Vasco in the summer.

Weststow (GB, 2008), a bay colt, [Medicean-Summer Sunset], owned by Cuadra Viguria, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by V. Janacek.

Volcánico winning the GP Claudio Carudel. Photo courtesy of Turfarganda.blogspot.com

The Gran Premio de la Hispanidad is the most important race over a mile in the Autumn season of Madrid. The last winners were Silverside (2010 and 2009), Shumookh (2008), Solita (2007), Trip to the Moon (2006) and Young Tiger (2005).

In 1993 and 1994, the race was won by Partipral (later Group 1 winner in Hong Kong). And the 1988 edition was won by Isabena, the grand dam of Entre Copas, Casaca and Vagabond Shoes

Mil Azul (SPA) and As de Trébol (USA) win the preps for the Gobierno Vasco

Mil Azul (SPA, 2008) [Russian Blue-Cuittled(Charismatic)], the bay colt owned by Yeguada Urdiñ-Oriya, trained by J. L. Salas and ridden by J. L. Borrego, won this Sunday the Premio Real Sociedad de Fútbol (1,400 m, 3 yo) in the Lasarte racecourse in San Sebastián, beating the favourites Volcánico (IRE, 2008) and Don Fernando Hab, with La Llanura fourth.

Here is the race: Premio Real Sociedad de Fútbol

In the other prep race for the Premio Gobierno Vasco, the Premio Coca-Cola (1,400 m, 4yo+) , the winner was the globetrotter As de Trébol (USA, 2006) [Tapit-Adelphi(Danzig)], ridden by Borja Fayos for Cuadra Chicago and trainer M. Delcher S, with Shumookh second and Salpado third.

Some photos of this meeting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAdXdvKBR_E

Here is the race: Premio Coca-Cola

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.

Festeiro (SPA) wins the Premio Cimera (Spanish 2,000 guineas)

Festeiro (SPA, 2008), [Fol Parade-New Vert(Vert Amande)], a chestnut colt, won today the Premio Cimera (Spanish 2,000 guineas), ridden by Jorge Horcajada for trainer Maurice Delcher (Senior) and owner Cuadra El Negredo. He run in a comfortable third-fourth place after frontrunners, first Golfo Pérsico (IRE) and then El Incendio (IRE), and he opened to the right in the stretch, taking the lead and resisting the final attack of Nova Cat (FR) [Hurricane Cat-Miss Fine(Kaldoun)], who was second, Mil Azul (SPA) [Russian Blue-Cuittled(Charismatic)] who was third and Ayanz (GB) [Tiger Hill] who was fourth.

Festeiro (SPA) followed by Nova Cat, Mil Azul and Volcánico. Photo courtesy of Turfarganda.blogspot.com


Here is the video of the race: Premio Cimera 2011

Festeiro (SPA) with Jorge Horcajada, winners of the Premio Cimera 2011. Photo courtesy of Turfarganda.blogspot.com



Meanwhile, Dyhim Diamond sired three of the six winners of the meeting:
Abdel (FR) [Dyhim Diamond-Leonor de Guzmán(Glauco)] won the first, a 2,200 m race for Spanish breds, his second win in three outings. He is owned and trained by J.M. Osorio (Duque de Alburquerque) and was ridden by Jeremy Crocquevieille. The third in the finish (American Gangster) is also by Dyhim Diamond. Here is the race: Premio Cría Nacional

The other two winners by Dyhim Diamond were Orgi and Tagomago

Handicap Opcional and Premio Fernán Núñez this Sunday in Madrid

The first meeting of the Spring season in Madrid features as the main of the six races the traditional Handicap Opcional (named this year "Premio Día Internacional de la Mujer - Handicap Opcional). It is a 1,600 m race reserved for winners or two-times placed 3 y/o.
The joint top-weight partants are Festeiro (SPA) [Fol Parade-New Vert(Vert Amande)], a chestnut colt owned by Cuadra El Negredo, trained by M. Delcher and Mil Azul (SPA) [Russian Blue-Cuittled(Charismatic)] a bay colt owned by Yeguada Urdiñ-Oriya and trained by J. L Salas.

Mil Azul was second to Clunia in the Premio Martorell and then won the Criterium Nacional (main race for 2 y/o Spanish breds in the summer season) but then he was a disappointing 5th in the Copa de Criadores. This is the Criterium Nacional: Premio El País-Criterium Nacional in San Sebastián, last summer.

Mil Azul in Madrid. Photo courtesy of cortacabeza.wordpress.org

The Premio Fernán Núñez is also a traditional race, a 2,200 m Handicap race for 4 y/o+. The interesting field includes, among others Cabo Cañaveral (FR) [Sendawar-Napeta(Woodman)] owned by Salvador Márquez, Inkhayan (SPA) [Sulamani-Cuddles], owned by Cuadra Santa Bárbara, third in the Premio Villamejor (Spanish St. Leger), Duke (GER) [Second Set-Deborah], winner this winter, Orgi (SPA, 2007)
[Dyhim Diamond-Attrape], Indian Lou (SPA, 2007) [Indian Haven-Marylou Whitney]