Trial races for the Memorial tomorrow Sunday

The Sunday meeting at La Zarzuela includes  2 races as preparatory races for the Memorial Duque de Toledo (October 21th). Both are 2,200 races with 8,000 euros for the winners

These are the participants in the race for 4yo+ (Premio Cruzcampo-Chacal):

Domeside (GB, 2006), bay colt [Domedriver-Buck's Fizz(Kris)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher S., will be ridden by J. Grosjean. Winner of the 2009 Villapadierna (Spanish Derby).

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 Charles Nora. He won the GP Ciudad de Madrid in his last start and won the Memorial Duque de Toledo in 2010.


Arnuero (GB, 2008), bay colt [Sakhee-Penang Pearl(Bering)], owned by Cuadra Medreal, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina. He was 2nd to Ayanz in the last Memorial Duque de Toledo

Coside (USA, 2008), gray colt [Cozzene-Fairy Heights(Fairy King)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by J. Horcajada

Kurdo (FR, 2008), bay colt [Baptize-La Sayida(Fairy King)], owned by Yeguada AGF, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek

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

Red Soles (IRE, 2008), bay filly [Barathea-Inchoate(Machiavellian)], owned by Cuadra Internorte, trained by T. Martins will be ridden by J. L. Borrego

In the equivalent race for 3yo (Premio Royal Gait), participants are:

Galipoli (FR, 2009), bay colt [Sulamani-Sweet Willa(Assert)], owned by Cuadra San Rafael, trained by Teo Callejo, will be ridden by J. B. Hamel
Winner of the Premio Velayos 2012.


Arsalan (GB, 2009), bay colt [Halling-Kali(Linamix)], owned by Reza Pazooki, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. Grosjean

Cuentista (SPA, 2009), ch. colt [Halling-Clever Cloggs(Nashwan)], owned by Cuadra Odisea, trained by I. Gómez, will be ridden by A. Gómez

Giggolo Star (SPA, 2009), ch.colt [Dyhim Diamond-Flamingo Star(Limpid)], owned by Cuadra Magaña, trained by J. C. Fernández R, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez

Gran Chipi (FR, 2009), bay colt [Green Tune-Cerita(Woodman)], owned by Cuadra Popular, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek.

Krann (GB, 2009), bay colt [Trade Fair-Musical Score(Blushing Flame)],owned by Cuadra Dos Hermanas, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieile

Ranyan (SPA, 2009), ch. gelding [Gold Away-Triple Two(Pivotal)], owned by Cuadra Agrado, trained by Teo Callejo, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina


There is also an interesting 1,500 m race for 2yos, Premio Asociación de Propietarios and the three parts of a split handicap over 1,800 m.

GP Ciudad de Madrid, Sunday 24 June 2012

The highlight of the last Sunday meeting of the La Zarzuela spring season is the GP Ciudad de Madrid (2,500 m, 3yo+, weight for age, 40,600 euros for the winner)

The participants of this edition are:

Achtung (SPA, 2008), a bay colt [Sulamani-Aurea(Silvano)], owned by Cuadra Enalto, trained by Roberto López. will be ridden by Borja Fayos Winner of the Premio Villamejor (Spanish St. Leger)
 last year.

Arnuero (GB, 2008), bay colt [Sakhee-Penang Pearl(Bering)], owned by Cuadra Medreal, trained by M. Delcher S. Will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina. He was second to Ayanz in the Memorial Duque de Toledo last year, and was 3rd and 2nd in his previous starts.

Domeside (GB, 2006), bay colt [Domedriver-Buck's Fizz(Kris)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher S., will be ridden by J. Grosjean. Winner of the 2009 Villapadierna (Spanish Derby), he won the Premio Corpa in his last start, beating Entre Copas, Karluv Most and Achtung.

Entre Copas (GB, 2004), ch. gelding [Sakhee-Priena(Priolo)], owned by Cuadra África, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by V. Janacek. Horse of the Year in Spain in 2011,  he won this race last year. Second to Domeside in the Premio Corpa

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 Charles Nora. Winner of the 2010 edition, he won his last start, beating Arnuero

Plantagenet (SPA, 2007) [Trade Fair-Crafty Buzz(Crafty Prospector)], owned by Cuadra Whylar, trained by G Arizkorreta and ridden by Ioritz Mendizábal. Winner of the 2010 GP Villapadierna (Spanish Derby)

Señor Miranda (GB, 2007), bay colt [Fantastic Light-Ringing Hill(Carhmwood Forest)], owned by Cuadra Los Toneles, trained by F. Rodríguez

Aspasia de Mileto (GB, 2008), bay filly [Hurricane Run-Fabulous Speed(Silver Hawk)], owned and trained by J. M. Osorio, Duque de Alburquerque. Winner of the Valderas (1000 Guineas) last year, he was also third in the Derby.  Afterwards, she was transferred to trainer Carlos Laffon in Paris and he was 2nd in the Listed Prix Liancourt





Azafata (SPA, 2009) [Motivator-Anysheba(Alysheba)]. owned by Cuadra Chamartín, trained by J. López. She has won her last 2 starts.


Previous winners of the GP Ciudad de Madrid have been: Entre Copas (2011), Karluv Most (2010), Faramir (2009), Bannaby (2008), Premier Galop  (2007) and Baldoria (2006).

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.

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).

Casaca was third in the Prix Fille de l'Air (Gr. 3)

Casaca (Medicean), the chestnut filly of Cuadra África trained by J.M. Osorio and ridden by J. Crocquevieille, was third in the Prix Fille de l'Air, a 2,100 m Group 3 race run in the Toulouse racetrack.

With the usual colors of Cuadra África (light and dark green stripes), she travelled around sixth position, to be somehow boxed at the beginning of the home stretch. However, when she found a gap, she finished very strongly.

Bellaside, the other Spanish trained filly of the field, was unplaced.

Video can be seen here:http://www.porunpeloturf.es/?p=1663

In the same meeting, Fearside was last in the Criterium de Languedoc, Señor Miranda was fourth and Flash McQueen (Dyhim Diamon) was second in a race for 2 yos.

GP Memorial Duque de Toledo, Sunday 16th October

The Memorial Duque de Toledo ("el Memorial" for Spanish racing fans) is a 2,400 m race for 3 yo+, weight for age, run in the La Zarzuela racetrack and the most important race of the autumn in Spain.

Partants this year are:
Domeside (GB, 2006) [Domedriver-Buck's Fizz], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by M Delcher S, will be ridden by J. Grosjean. He won the Memorial Duque de Alburquerque last spring.

Entre Copas (G, 2004) [Sakhee-Priena(Priolo)], owned by Cuadra África, trained my J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille. Unbeaten in 5 starts this year, he has won the Mijas Cup, the GP Ciudad de Madrid, the Premio Corpa and the GP de San Sebastián.

Karluv Most (FR, 2006) [Della Francesca-La Vlatava], owned by Cuadra Cholaica, trained by J. L. Maroto, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina. He won this race last year.

Plantagenet (SPA, 2007) [Trade Fair-Crafty Buzz], owned by Cuadra Whylar, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego.

Porquenotecallas (IRE, 2006) [Fantastic Light-Ganga], owned by Cuadra África, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. E. Jarcovsky.

Señor Miranda (GB, 2007) [Fantastic Light-Ringing Hill], owned by Cuadra Los Toneles, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by S. Ruis.

Arnuero (GB, 2008) [Sakhee-Penang Pearl], owned by Cuadra Medreal, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by Jorge Horcajada. Winner of the prep race. Three wins in five starts.

Arnuero (left, jockey with orange sleeves) surpassing Plantagenet in the trial race, Premio Cadena Ser. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com


Ayanz (GB, 2008) [Tiger Hill-Got to Go], owned by Cuadra Quinto Real, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek. Winner of the Villapadierna (Spanish Derby), has not run since then.

Clunia (IRE, 2008) [Silent Times-Doohulla], owned by Cuadra Brazacorta, trained by G. Villarta, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez. Winner of the Beamonte

The winner of the last edition was Karluv Most, who will try to repeat in 2011. Here is the video: Memorial Duque de Toledo 2010


UPDATE: Results of the race

Also this Sunday, Eltso, Arnuero, Señor Miranda, Plantagenet

Apart from the Criterium de Potrancas, the meeting of this Sunday includes the Premio Cadena Ser, a 2,200 m race for 3yo+, a prep race for the Memorial Duque de Toledo.

The nine partants include the 4yo+ Calamargo (IRE, 2007) [Arakan-Rain of Flanders(Ranbow Quest)], the twice Classic second Señor Miranda (GB, 2007) [Fantastc Light-Ringing Hill(Charnwood Forest)], Loch Etive (GB, 2006)[Rock of Gibraltar-Amazing Krisjen(Kris S)],the 2010 Derby winner Plantagenet (SPA, 2007) [Trade Fair-Crafty Buzz(Crafty Prospector)], Porquenotecallas (IRE, 2006) [Fantastic Light-Ganga(Generous)] and the 3 yos Eltso (SPA, 2008) [Dyhim Diamond-Katherine(Don Roberto)], who was second in the GP Nacional and in the Spanish Derby won by Ayanz, Arnuero (GB, 2008) [Sakhee-Penang Pearl(Bering)] for his new stable, Diamant du Soleil (FR, 2008) [Dyhim Diamond-Solina(Acatenango)] and Rio Duerna (SPA, 2008) [Okawango-Berona(Policy Matter)]

Arnuero (gray and yellow) and Diamant du Soleil, last spring in Madrid. Photo courtesy of Turfarganda.blogspot.com

Abdel and Señor Miranda won the prep races for the Copa de Oro

Abdel (SPA, 2008) [Dyhim Diamond-Leonor de Guzmán], owned, bred and trained by J. M. Osorio, won the Premio Diputación de Guipúzcoa, the prep race for 3 yo for the Copa de Oro de San Sebastián, beating Cape Point and Dunboinne, with some controversy because Abdel invaded the line of Dunboinnee in the stretch.
Here is the race: Premio Diputación de Guipuzcoa 2011

Meanwhile, Señor Miranda (GB, 2007) won the equivalent race for 4yo+, beating Karluv Most and Plantagenet, among others.

Entre Copas (GB) wins the Gran Premio de Madrid 2011

Entre Copas, (GB, 2004), [Sakhee-Priena(Priolo)], the chestnut gelding owned by Cuadra África, won today the Gran Premio Ciudad de Madrid (2,500 m, 3yo+, weight for age) in the La Zarzuela turf track, under jockey Jeremy Crocquevieille, for trainer J. M. Osorio. He beat Karluv Most (FR, 2006) [Della Francesca-La Vlatava] jockey Ortiz de Urbina for Cuadra Cholaica and trainer J. L. Maroto by a head, with Plantagenet third and Señor Miranda fourth. Here is the photo finish

Señor Miranda was the first until the home stretch, in which Entre Copas lanuched his attack, to be later followed by Karluv Most who closed strongly for second by a head. Domeside, one of the favourites, was last for most of the race and although he seemed comfortable at the beginning of the stretch, he didn't have much strength to attack, finishing sixth.

This is the 4th consecutive win for Entre Copas, winner of the Mijas Cup 2011 and the first horse ever to win both these two races (the ones with the biggest purse in Spain). He is also, with 7 years, the oldest winner of the GP de Madrid. He was 3rd in 2009 and 2nd (to Karluv Most) in the 2010 edition.

Here is the race: Gran Premio Ciudad de Madrid, 2011

And an extended video (15 min): GP Ciudad de Madrid 2011

Gran Premio Ciudad de Madrid this Sunday

The GP Ciudad de Madrid is a 2,500 m race for 3yo+, weight for age, with a purse of 40,000 euros for the winner, run in the La Zarzuela racetrack (turf) in Madrid. Traditionally, it was the first top-level confrontation of 3 yo and 4 yo+ top stayers, but 3 y/os are increasingly skipping this race and this year there are no 3 y/o partants.

The seven partants are:

Calamargo (IRE, 2007) [Arakan-Rain of Flanders(Rainbow Quest)] is a bay colt owned by Cuadra Jimena and trained by A. F. Sánchez. He will be ridden by Borja Fayos. He has won his last three starts, in handicap races, meaning he is showing great proggress.

Domeside (GB, 2006) [Domedriver-Buck's Fizz] is a bay colt owned by Cuadra SafSaf and trained by M. Delcher S. He will be ridden by J. Grosjean. Winner of the Villapadierna (Derby) in 2009, he was injured and returned to action this last winter in the Dos Hermanas racetrack, and has won his last two starts in Madrid, including his win in the inaugural running of the Gran Premio Duque de Alburquerque beating a good number of his rivals in the GP de Madrid.


Entre Copas, [Sakhee-Priena(Priolo)] is a chestnut gelding, owned by Cuadra África and trained by J. M. Osorio. He will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille. His last start was his win in the Premio Corpa, beating Karluz Most and making it three consecutive winsPremio E-quiniela, Mijas Cup and Premio Corpa. If he wins, it would be the first in winning the double Mijas Cup-GP de Madrid.

Karluv Most (FR, 2006) [Della Francesca-La Vltava] is a bay colt owned by Cuadra Cholaica and trained by J. L. Maroto. He will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina He won the Premio Villamejor (Spanish St. Leger) at 3 and won the last edition of this GP Ciudad de Madrid and also the Memorial Duque de Toledo (2,400 m, 3yo+, weight for age) last year. He was second to Entre Copas in his last start, in the Premio Corpa

Magician's Cape (IRE, 2007) [Montjeu-Seven Magiciens] is a bay colt owned by Daniel Roset, trained by T. Callejo and will be ridden by J. C. Cerqueira. He has been second to Calamargo in his last two starts

Plantagenet (SPA, 2007) [Trade Fair-Crafty Buzz] is a chestnut colt owned by Cuadra Plantagenet, trained by G. Arizkorreta and will be ridden J. L. Borrego. Was one of the highest rated 3 y/os of 2010 along with Pazifiksturm, because he won the GP Nacional and the Villapadierna (Derby). However, he has not lived up to his promise for the moment. He was second to Nelson Groom in his last start, showing some signs of being in good shape.

Señor Miranda (GB, 2007) [Fantastic Light-Ringing Hill] is a bay colt owned by Cuadra Los Toneles, trained by F. Rodríguez and will be ridden by Vaclav Janacek. He has been placed in many of the biggest races in Spain (2nd in the Villapadierna and in the Villamejor, 3rd in the Copa de Oro de San Sebastián, 3rd in the Memorial Duque de Toledo). Third in his last start, to Nelson Groom and Plantagenet.

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