Abdel won the Memorial Duque de Alburquerque

The 2nd running of the GP Memorial Duque de Alburquerque (2,100 m, 4yo+, 17,400 euros for the winner), was won by Abdel (FR, 2008), [Dyhim Diamond-Leonor de Guzmán(Glauco)],  the bay colt owned and trained by J. M. Osorio, the current Duque de Alburquerque. Abdel was ridden by J. E. Jarcovsky, who had him in the second position after the frontrunner Nelson Groom (Charming Groom) for most of the race. Abdel found himself boxed in the home stretch when Plantagenet attacked Nelson Groom and Jarcovsky had a difficult time finding the way out, although, once in the clear, Abdel showed a remarkable turn of foot to surpasse Nelson Groom by a length, with Arnuero (Sakhee) third and Plantagenet fourth.

This is the 6th win in 10 starts for Abdel, who has performed at the highest level in 1,400 m (Antonio Blasco), 1,600 GP Hispanidad), 2,400 m (Copa de Oro) and now 2,100 m.

Abdel (Dyhim Diamond) and Jarcovksy, winners of the GP Memorial Duque de Alburquerque. Photo courtesy of http://turfarganda.blogspot.com

Here is the video (including parts of the 2011 edition): GP Memorial Duque de Alburquerque 2011

In the rest of the meeting:
Teobaldo (Singspiel) won the 2,100 m race for maiden 3yo, with Biladi (Authorized) second.

Cañadio (Dyhim Diamond) won the first part of the 1,600 m split handicap, with Viva A Franca (Storm Cat) 2nd

In the 1,600 m race for amateur jockes, the winner was Cielo Canarias (Exceed adn Excel), with Muñeca Brava (Noverre) second.

In the 2,100 m race for maiden 3yo fillies, the winner was the half sister to Faramir (GP Ciudad de Madrid), Sportside (Refuse to Bend), with Azafata (Motivator) 2nd. Here is the video: Premio Loterías y Apuestas del Estado

And in the 2nd half of the split handicap,. Dyhim Diamond made a treble as a sire with Diamante Blanco

Dyhim Diamond sired a total of 5 winners out of 11 races in the weekend

Memorial Duque de Alburquerque, Sunday 22 April 2012

The Sunday 22 meeting at the La Zarzuella racecourse of Madrid features the Memorial Duque de Alburquerque (2,100 m, 4yo+, 17,400 euros for the winner), in its second edition.

And there is a top level field, that includes no less than 4 Classic winners (Domeside, Karluv Most, Plantagenet, Achtung), 2 Mijas Cup winners (Nelson Groom and HOY Entre Copas), along with the versatile Abdel (2nd in the Copa de Oro and winner of the Hispanidad), Arnuero (the half brother to Harbinger, and 2nd in the Memorial Duque de Toledo in autumn), etc.


This is the field:

Abdel (FR, 2008), bay colt [Dyhim Diamond-Leonor de Guzmán(Glauco)], owned and trained by J. M. Osorio, Duke of Alburquerque and ridden by J. E. Jacoksky. 2nd in the Copa de Oro de San Sebastián (2,400 m, weight for age), he won the GP Hispanidad and the Antonio Blasco and was fourth in the Listed Prix Tantieme in his last start in 2011.

Achtung (SPA, 2008), bay colt [Sulamani-Aurea(Silvano)], owned by Cuadra Enalto, trained by R. López, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina. Winner of the Villamejor (Spanish St. Leger) in 2011.

Arnuero (GB, 2008), bay colt [Sakhee-Penang Pearl(Bering)], owned by Cuadra Medreal, trained by M, Delcher, will be ridden by J. Horcajada. The half brother to King George winner Harbinger was 2nd to Ayanz in his last start, the GP Memorial Duque de Toledo, in the autumn

Casar (IRE, 2008), chestnut colt [Hurricane Run-Thoroughly (Woodman)], owned by Cuadra Medreal, trained by M. Delcher, will be ridden by Borja Fayos. 2nd in the Villamejor

Domeside (GB, 2006), bay colt [Domedriver-Buck's Fizz(Kris)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher, will be ridden by J. Grosjean. Winner of the 2009 Villapadierna, and winner of the first edition of this race last year.

Entre Copas (GB, 2004), chestnut gelding [Sakhee-Priena(Priolo)], owned by Cuadra Äfrica, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille.Reigning horse of the year 

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 J. L. Borrego.

Nelson Groom (FR, 2006), gray colt [Charming Groom-Slot Machine(Highest Honor)], owned by Reza Pazzoki, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by M. Borrego. Won in his last start, Premio Día Mundial del Teatro

Plantagenet (SPA, 2007), chestnut colt [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 Villapadierna (Derby), he comes from Dubai, where he was the first Spanish bred to win

Risquillo (FR, 2006), bay colt [Ballingarry-Ringing Wood(Charmwood Forest)], owned by Cuadra El Risquillo, trained by A. Carrasco, will be ridden by F. Jiménez.

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

Zona Cero (IRE, 2005), bay gelding [Noverre-Thoroughly(Woodman)], owned by Cuadra Popular, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek.  Half to Casar and Midnight Beauty. (winner of the G3 Prix Condé in France)


The rest of the meeting includes:
A 2,100 m race for maiden 3yo (with 3 debutants)
A 1,600 m split handicap with two parts
A 1,600 m race for gentlemen/women riders
A 2,100 m race for maiden 3yo fillies (4 of them, debutants)

Pazifiksturm wins the Mijas Cup 2012

Pazifizsturm (GER. 2007) [Samum-La Parabol(Trempolino)], owned by Cuadra Martul, trained by Ana Imaz Ceca and ridden by J. Auge, won today the XII Mijas Cup (2,200 m, 4yo+, 43,000 euros for the winner) at the Mijas racecourse, beating Entre Copas (2nd) and Señor Miranda (3rd), with Nelson Groom fourth.

Loch Etive commanded the field with Nelson Groom second for most of the race. Nelson Groom took over in the last turn, but the attack of Pazifiksturm was decisive. Entre Copas and Señor Miranda closed strongly and caught Nelson Groom, but not Pazifiksturm.

Pazifiksturm was second to Bannaby in the Copa de Oro de San Sebastián 2010 and won the Villamejor (Spanish St. Leger) that year. His 2011 campaign was somewhat disappointing both in Spain and in France, but this win puts him again at the top of Spanish stayers. Plans for Pazifiksturm may include the Copa de Oro de San Sebastián in the summer and the Memorial Duque de Toledo in autumn, although obviosly depending on the evolution of the horse in his next starts

Video (22 minutes): Mijas Cup 2012

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.

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

Entre Copas and Nelson Groom in the first meeting of Mijas

After the Dos Hermanas season, races return to Mijas (Málaga) tomorrow Sunday, with a 5 race program, including the Premio Ayuntamiento de Mijas (2,200 m, 4y+, 7,000 euros for the winner), a preparatory race for the Mijas Cup (March 4th).

The field includes two Mijas Cup winners: the reigning Horse of the Year Entre Copas (winner in 2011) and Nelson Groom (winner in 2010 and 3rd in 2011). Here are all the participants of the Premio Ayuntamiento de Mijas:

Entre Copas (GB, 2004) ch. geld [Sakhee-Priena(Priolo)], Owned by cuadra África, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille. Winner of the Mijas Cup 2011, he won also this prep race last year. According to his trainer, however, he is not very advanced in his conditioning after his winter rest.

Nelson Groom (FR, 2006), gray colt [Charming Groom-Slot Machine(Highes Honor)], owned by Reza Pazooki, trained by F. Rodríguez, ridden by J. L. Martínez. He won the 2010 Mijas Cup and was third last year.

Pendenciero (USA, 2007), ch. colt [Leroidesanimaux-Trampoli(Trempolino)], owned y Cuadra La Paz, trained by J. A. Rodríguez, ridden by V, Janacek.

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

Blackberry Boy (IRE, 2004), bay geld [Desert Prince-Summer Crush(Summer Squall)], owned by Sunshine Racing, trained by P. Haley, ridden by F. Lynch.

Blaise Tower (GB, 2006), bay geld [Fantastic Light-Blaise Castle(Irish River)], owned by Cuadra C. de Chareta, trained by B. Rama, will be ridden by F. Alvarado.

Don Hernando Hab (SPA, 2008), ch. geld [Delfos-Cuddles(Anabaa)], owned by G. Hernando-Aboin, trained by A. Carrasco, will be ridden by F. Jiménez.

Seminole Cry (USA, 2005), bay geld. [War Chant-Teakabu(Woodman)],owned by Carreras Int., trained by J. L. Eyre, will be ridden by J. Grosjean

Turrialba (SPA, 2007) bay colt. [Trade Fair-Premiere Melody(Night Shift)], owned by Cuadra Instagonza, trained by Oscar Anaya, will be ridden by I. López.

Cara Blanca (GB, 2008), ch. filly [Beat Hollow-Sioux Chief(Be my Chief)], owned by R. Teasdale Racing, trained by J. L. Eyre, will be ridden by M. Gomes

Hello Tomorrow (USA, 2008), bay filly [Forest Wildcat-Never Gone(Gone West)], owned by Cuadra Laberinto, trained by R. Aón, will be ridden by A. Gómez

Vergara (GB, 2008), bay filly [Halling-Clouds of Magellan(Dynaformer)], owned by Cuadra Viguria, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. E. Jarcovsky

The other races of the meeting are two maiden races for 3yo (1,300 m and 2,000 m) and two handicaps for 4yo+ (1,300 m and 1,800 m).

Nelson Groom (FR) wins again

Nelson Groom (FR, 2006) [Charming Groom-Slot Machine(Highest Honor)], winner of the 2010 Mijas Cup, achieved his first win since that race when he went wire to wire in the Premio Guardia Civil under jockey Julien Grosjean for trainer F. Rodriguez and owner Reza Pazooki, last Sunday in the La Zarzuela racetrack. The field for this 2,200 race for 4 yo+ included three classic winners of 2010 in Spain: Plantagenet (SPA, 2007) [Trade Fair-Crafty Buzz(Crafty Prospector)], winner of the Villapadierna (Derby), Pazifiksturm (GER, 2007) [Samum-La Parabol(Trempolino)], winner of the Villamejor (St. Leger) and Narya (IRE, 2007), winner of the Beamonte (Oaks), also starring Señor Miranda (GB, 2007) [Fantastic Light-Ringing Hill(Charmwood Forest)] (second both in the Villapadierna and the Villamejor), Casaca (GB, 2006) [Medicean-Priena(Priolo)], half sister to Entre Copas and 2nd in the Valderas(1,000 guineas) and Beamonte(Oaks) in 2009. Risquillo (Ballingarry), Saruman (Arch) and Tasha Linda (Where or When) completed the field.

Nelson Groom went comfortably in front of the field, followed by Señor Miranda and didn't face great opposition in the stretch, with Plantagenet closing along the rail for second and Señor Miranda third and Risquillo fourth.

Here is the race: Premio Guardia Civil

Domeside (GB) wins the Memorial Duque de Alburquerque

Domeside (GB, 2006) [Domedriver-Buck's Fizz], the bay colt owned by Cuadra SafSaf and trained by M. Delcher Sánchez won today with Julien Grosjean the inaugural running of the Gran Premio Memorial Duque de Alburquerque, a 2,100 m race for 4 yo+ in the La Zarzuela turf track, over a heavy going.

Nelson Groom (FR) led the race with Duke (GER) second, until the home stretch, where the duo trained by Francisco Rodríguez (Nelson Groom and Señor Miranda) seemed ready to make a 1-2 for their trainer. Domeside had to look for an opening but when he had it, he caught and surpassed Nelson Groom (2nd) and Señor Miranda (3rd). Risquillo (FR) joing the three but his jockey (Vaclav Janacek) fell in a false step of the horse. Fortunately, he seemed relatively unharmed and abandoned the track walking without needing any help.

Domeside (far right) surpasses Nelson Groom and Señor Miranda. Meanwhile, Vaclav Janacek falls from Risquillo.Photo courtesy of Turfarganda.blogspot.com


The seasonal comeback of both Plantagenet and Karluv Most was somewhat disappointing.

The Memorial Duque de Alburquerque is a new race in tribute to Beltrán Osorio, the late Duque de Alburquerque, a prominent figure in racing (and another equestrian disciplines) in Spain in the twentieth century.

Here is the race: Premio Memorial Duque de Alburquerque 2011

Memorial Duque de Alburquerque this Sunday in Madrid

The meeting of this Sunday in the La Zarzuela racetrack of Madrid will feature the first edition of the Premio Memorial Duque de Alburquerque, a 2,100 m race for 4 y/o+ that will have in this inaugural running a field of 9 horses that includes two Spanish Derby winners (Domeside and Plantagenet), the winner of the Gran Premio Ciudad de Madrid and the Gran Premio Memorial Duque de Toledo of 2010 (Karluv Most), the winner of the Mijas Cup 2010 (Nelson Groom) and Señor Miranda, placed in the Derby 2010, the Villamejor (St. Leger), the Memorial Duque de Toledo, etc.

Domeside (GB), winner of the Premio Villapadierna (Derby) in 2009, was injured after that race to reappear this winter. He has showed some proggression in his last starts, winning the last one, Premio Caballo Ganador de Renfe a race sharing a good number of partants with the race of this Sunday. Owned by Cuadra SafSaf, trained by M. Delcher S., will be ridden by Julien Grosjean. Risquillo (FR), second by 2 lengths in that, carried 4 more kg than Domeside and will carry the same weight now. He is owned by Cuadra El Risquillo, trained by A. Carrasco and will be ridden by V. Janacek.

Domeside (GB) (right) and Risquillo (FR) in the Premio Caballo Ganador de Renfe, April 3rd 2011. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com


Plantagenet (SPA, 2007) won the Premio Villapadierna (Video) in 2010 but then he didn't enter the starting gates in the Copa de Oro de San Sebastián in the summer and, although he won the prep race for the Memorial Duque de Toledo, he failed in the big race, so his true potential is somewhat uncertain. This will be his awaited seasonal debut. Owned by Cuadra Whylar, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego.

Karluv Most (FR) also reappears after his winter rest. His last race was his win in the Memorial Duque de Toledo (what we may call the Spanish "Arc"): See video here: Memorial Duque de Toledo 2010. Owned by Cuadra Cholaica, trained by J. L. Maroto, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina.

Señor Miranda (GB) reappeared some weeks ago, clearly beaten by Domeside and Risquillo, among other. He is owned by Cuadra Los Toneles, trained by F. Rodríguez and will be ridden by Borja Fayos.

Nelson Groom (FR) seems not to be in good form for now.
Other partants are Diamante Blanco (SPA), unplaced in one start, Duke (GER) who beat Domeside in the winter at Dos Hermanas in a 2,800 race and stable companion to Karluv Most, Porquenotecallas (IRE), trained by J. M. Osorio (in a winning streak)

Amadeo Rey (IRE) wins the Premio Habitancum

Amadeo Rey (bay colt, IRE, 2007) [Intikhab-Friendly Warning(Warning)] ridden by J. B. Hamel, won today the Premio Habitancum for trainer Ana Imaz and owner Cuadra Martul in the La Zarzuela racecourse (Madrid). Ariete Arrollador (GB) [Kingsalsa-Proud Douna(Kaldoun)], ridden by J. L. Borrego was second with Compton Park (GB) third and Bottega (USA) fourth.

Amadeo Rey (IRE). Photo courtesy of cortacabeza.wordpress.com


Flying Flute (GB) and Mariscal (GB) leaded the way for most of the race, but Amadeo Rey and Ariete Arrollador were the fastest, repeating the 1-2 of the Premio Cimera (2,000 Guineas) 2010, in reverse order.

Here is the race: Premio Habitancum 2011


In the third race, a 2,000 m race for 4 y/o+, Domeside (GB, 2006), the bay colt [Domedriver-Buck's Fizz(Kris)]owned by SafSaf, ridden by Julien Grosjean and trained by M. Delcher, won by two lengths, beating Risquillo (FR, 2006) [Ballingarry-Alkexia Fedorovna(Steinlen)] and Saruman (USA, 2007) [Arch-Kalpita(Spinning World)] with Cabo Cañaveral (FR) fourth. Domeside won the Spanish Derby in 2009.
Señor Miranda (GB), Shumookh (IRE), Nelson Groom (FR) (winner of the Mijas Cup 2010) and Dansico (GB) were also high level partants, but they didn't showed danger today.


In the sixth race, a 2,200 m race for 3 y/o, Don Hernando Hab (SPA) [Delfos-Cuddles(Anabaa) won for the second time in 5 starts, in his usual front running style, beating Eomer (IRE) [Marju-Jakarta Jade(Royal Abjar)] and Tresenpunto (SPA) [Delfos-Zulfaa(Bahri)]

Here are the six races:
http://urluberlu1.blogspot.com/2011/04/la-zarzuela-3-4-2011diferido.html

Entre Copas (GB) wins the Mijas Cup 2011

Entre Copas (GB, 2004) [Sakhee-Priena(Priolo)] the chestnut gelding of Cuadra Africa, trained by J.M. Osorio (Duque de Alburquerque), ridden by Jeremy Crocquevieille, won the XI Gran Premio Día de Andalucía-Mijas Cup 2011, the main race of the Mijas season, and the race with the biggest purse in Spain (43,000 euros for the winner).

Entre Copas (GB) winning the Mijas Cup. Photo courtesy of www.carloszuma.com

He followed Nelson Groom (FR) during most of the race and took the lead in the stretch to win very easily. Bound by Honour (SAF), the bay gelding trained by Ch. Von der Recke (twice winner of the Mijas Cup) was second, with Nelson Groom (FR) (winner of this race in 2010, third) and Volapie (SPA) fourth.

Le Feu du Ciel (FR), one of the favourites, started very slowly and then couldn't make up the lost distance. Kuruchet (ARG), also favourite after his very good season in Dos Hermanas, Seville, was very active at the beginning, but faded after entering the last curve P.S.: His jockey declared the horse stopped in an unexplained way right after entering the curve. He was found injured after the race.

This is the second Mijas Cup for trainer J. M. Osorio, Duque de Alburquerque, who won in 2005 with El Hechizado (a horse he also owned). There was an attendance today of over 7,000 persons for this Mijas Cup.



This is the race:
Mijas Cup 2011

And this is a 20 minutes video of the race: Mijas Cup 2011, 20 min

Entre Copas (GB) wins the Premio E-Quiniela

Entre Copas (GB, 2004), a chestnut gelding by Sakhee-Priena (Priolo), owned by Cuadra África and trained by Joannes Osorio (Duque de Alburquerque) won the Premio E-Quiniela (2,200 m), in the Mijas racetrack. He was ridden by J Crocqueivieille. Loch Etive GB, 2006][Rock of Gibraltar-Amazing Krisken] was second, with Jordan Water (SPA, 2007) [Baptize-Brevaya] closing for third and Cabo Cañaveral (FR, 2005) [Sendawar-Napeta] fourth (after not the best of trips).

Lisselan Beauty (USA) lead for the first half of the race. Shumookh took the lead at the end of the far stretch but faded in the home stretch where there was a long struggle between Entre Copas and Loch Etive.

Nelson Groom (FR) after his long absence from the tracks, finished fifth in this reappearance.

Here is the race: Premio E-quiniela

"Entre Copas" beating "Loch Etive". Photo courtesy of www.carloszuma.com

Fleche d'Arcis (FR, 2008) [Anabaa Blue-Feale], a bay colt, with J.M. Sánchez aboard, won the first race of the meeting, a 2,000 m race for non-winner 3 y/os. He is owned by Cuadra Talismán and trained by Jorge Rodríguez.

Premio -E-quiniela (prep race for the Mijas Cup) this Sunday

The first meeting of the Mijas season includes a prep race (Premio E-Quiniela) for the Mijas Cup with some notable runners among the field of twelve:

Nelson Groom (FR, 2006) [Charming Groom-Slot Machine(Highest Honor)], the winner of the Mijas Cup last year, has not run since then, subject to two injuries. Owned by Reza Pazooki, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by Julien Grosjean.

Shumookh [GB, 2003] a bay gelding [Mujahid-Midway Lady (Alleged)] is a versatile runner, able to beat Silverside in 1,600 m (Premio Gobierno Vasco) and also to be second in the 2,400 Copa de Oro de San Sebastián (in 2009), after Young Tiger. He is owned by Cuadra Los Aspirantes and his trainer is Teo Callejo. His usual rider is J. C. Cerqueira. The dam of Shumookh, Midway Lady (Alleged) won the 1,000 Guineas and the Epsom Oaks back in 1986. He totals 175,000 euros in earnings.

Shumookh, in Madrid. Photo courtesy of cortacabeza.wordpress.com


Entre Copas (GB), chestnut gelding by Sakhee-Priena (Priolo), is one of the best stayers in Spain, having won the Premio Gladiateur (3,000 m, November, Madrid) two times and being second once. He is also a regular partant in the three big races of 2,400 and 2,500 m in Spain (GP Ciudad de Madrid, Copa de Oro de San Sebastián and Memorial Duque de Toledo), with some places. He is owned by Cuadra África and is trained by Joannes Osorio (Duque de Alburquerque). He will be ridden by J Crocqueivieille.


Cabo Cañaveral (FR, 2005) is a bay horse, by Sendawar and Napeta (Woodman), owned by Salvador Márquez and trained by J.A. Rodríguez. He is already winner in this track. Will be ridden by Borja Fayos

Other partants are: Comanche Trail (FR), Loch Etive (GB), Seminole Cry (USA), Jordan Water (SPA), Red Barcelona (IRE), Whistleinthewind (IRE), La rubia (IRE) and Lisselan Beauty (USA).

Time for Mijas

The racing season of Mijas (Málaga) will begin this weekend. There will be meetings on Sundays 13th, 20th and 27th of February and Sunday March 6th and also Fridays February 25th and April 22th.

The Hipódromo Costa del Sol was opened in 2000 and is home to the race with the biggest purse in Spain: The Gran Premio Día de Andalucía - Mijas Cup. Here is the wikipedia page for the Mijas Cup:
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mijas_Cup

Photo: image from the Mijas Cup 2008

The last edition of the Mijas Cup was won by the grey colt Nelson Groom (FR, 2006), ridden by J.L. Martinez for trainer F. Rodríguez. Here is the race: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfdxFKrdV50. Nelson Groom [Charming Groom-Slot Machine], owned by Reza Pazooki, will probably run this year also in the Mijas Cup. In fact, he will run this Sunday in the prep race.