Kurdo and Ranyan win the Memorial trials

There were six races yesterday at the La Zarzuela racetrack, including two races of 2.200 m, one for 4yo+ and the other one for 3yos, with 8,000 euros for the winners:


Kurdo (FR, 2008), bay colt [Baptize-La Sayida(Fairy King)], owned by Yeguada AGF, trained by G. Arizkorreta and ridden by V. Janacek won the Premio Cruzcampo-Chacal at the La Zarzuela racetrack, beating Arnuero (GB, 2008), bay colt [Sakhee-Penang Pearl(Bering)], owned by Cuadra Medreal, trained by M. Delcher S, ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbin by a length in one of the highlights of the Sunday meeting. Domeside (GB, 2006, Domedriver), was third and Seminole Cry was fourth.

Kurdo beating Arnuero. Photo courtesy of www.gacetahipodromo.com

Red Soles commanded the race with Karluv Most second until the far stretch, in which Karluv Most took the lead. He continued to lead the race until the home strecth in whichi he was surpassed by Kurdo and Arnuero. Kurdo held off the Arnuero attack.

Karluv Most experienced a problem, his jockey dismounted after the race to return and he may be injured (news pending)


Here is the race: Premio Cruzcampo-Chacal


In the Premio Royal Gait, the winner was Ranyan (SPA, 2009), ch. gelding [Gold Away-Triple Two(Pivotal)], owned by Cuadra Agrado, trained by Teo Callejo and ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina, who beat Arsalan (GB, 2009), bay colt [Halling-Kali(Linamix)], owned by Reza Pazooki, trained by F. Rodríguez and ridden by J. Grosjean by 8 lengths, with Galipoli (FR, 2009), third.

Here is the race: Premio Royal Gait

In the first race (1,500 m, 2yo, 6,000 euros for the winner), Son Bou (GB, 2010,) [Medicean-Barreda(Linamix)] won by 7 lengths leaving a very good impression. Dagoberto (Dyhim Diamond) was 2nd and Collio Side (Caradak) was third. The 2nd dam of Son Bou is Teresa (Rheffissimo) one of the best fillies in the history of Spanish turf.

Here is the race: Premio AEPCC

In the 3 parts of the split handicap over 1,800 m, the winners were: Mayerling, Kiumars and Lucciole Lol

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).

Five races in Dos Hermanas with Achtung and Domeside

The five races of the January 8th meeting in Dos Hermanas have as main attractive the presence of two classic winners: Achtung, winner of the 2011 Premio Villamejor (St. Leger) and Domeside (winner of the 2009 Premio Villapadierna - Derby).

The Premio Cajasol Banca Cívica (2,800 m, 7,000 euros) for 4yo+ wil have the following field:
Domeside (GB, 2006), bay colt [Domedriver-Buck' Fizz]. Cuadra Safsaf, tr.: M. Delcher S, ridden by J. Grosjean.

Domeside (GB, 2006), winner of the Villapadierna 2009. Photo: turfarganda.blogspot.com

Achtung (SPA, 2008), bay colt [Sulamani-Aurea], Cuadra Enalto. Tr.: R. López, ridden by V. Janacek. Winner of the Premio Villamejor
Calamargo (IRE, 2007), bay colt. [Arakan-Rain of Flanders]. Cuadra Jimena, tr.: A. F. Sánchez, ridden by J. L. Borrego
Ilusionista (SPA, 2006), bay geld. [Humool-Brevaya], Cuadra Odisea, tr. I. Gómez, ridden by A. Gómez
Le Courlis (FR, 2003), bay geld. [Broadway Flyer-Blue Lure], cuadra El Swing, tr.: B. J. Recio, ridden by R. Ramos
Red Barcelona (IRE, 2007), ch. colt [Indian Haven-Purepleasureseeker], owned by Cuadra Castillo de Chareta, tr. by B. Rama, will be ridden by S. Martín.
Seminole Cry (USA, 2005), bay geld. [War Chant-Teakabu], owned by Carreras Int., trained by J. L. Eyre, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez
Don Hernando Hab (SPA, 2008), ch. colt [Delfos-Cuddles], owned by Gonzalo Hernando-Aboin, tr. by A. Carrasco, will be ridden by F. Jiménez.
Manly Dream (FR, 2007), bay filly [Highest Honor-Irish Jig]. owned by Cuadra Internorte, trained by T. Martins, will be ridden by R.H. Huayas.
Volcán Canarias (IRE, 2008), bay colt. [High Chaparral-Touch of Magic], owned by Grupo Bolaños-Gran Canaria, trained by Enrique León, will be ridden by M. Gomes.

There is also a 1,400 m race for 3 yo, with 7 participants: Ladykin (Holy Roman Emperor), Via Meydan (Sir Percy), Bentayga (Strategic Prince), Galego (Wagon Master), Indian Victory (Sleeping Indian), Juan Daniel (Baptize) and Canela Fina (Baptize).

The other three races are the three parts of the split handicap

Porquenotecallas wins in a muddy track at Mijas

Porquenotecallas (GB, 2006) the ch. colt [Fantastic Light-Ganga(Generous)] won today the Premio Germania Iberica Estates-Your Dream Home, beating Bottega (Mineshaft) by one and a half length, with Seminole Cry (War Chant) third over a muddy track in the Mijas racecourse.

Porquenotecallas shares owner-breeder (Cuadra África), trainer (J.M. Osorio) and jockey (J. Crocquevieille) with Casaca and Entre Copas, and this win adds up to the wonderful year of these connections.

Here is the race: Premio Germania Iberica Estates- Your Dream Home

Other winners of the Mijas meeting were: Galego (SPA, 2009) (Wagon Master-Ma Marseillaise(Theatrical)] in the 2 yo race (being his third win in a row); Lisselan Nymhp (Great Pyramid-Seasprite(Opening Verse)] in the 2nd part of the handicap; Laazem (Piccolo-Untimely(Inchinor)] in the 1st part of the handicap and Panacea (With Approval-Menta(Finissimo)] in the 1,800 m race for 3yo+ fillies. Panacea is also trained (and is owned) by J. M. Osorio - Duque de Alburquerque.

Races in Mijas this Saturday

The Saturday meeting of Mijas has 5 races scheduled and its main attraction is a 2,200 m race for 3 yo+ (Premio Germanica Iberica Estates - Your Dream Home) with the following participants:
Le Feu du Ciel (FR, 2006), a ch. gelding [Johan Quatz-Gialla(Le Nain Jaune)], owned by Cuadra Sayago, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek.
Bottega (USA, 2007), ch. col [Mineshaft-Sun is Up(Sunday Silence)], owned by Cuadra Madroños, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez
Seminole Cry (USA, 2005), bay geld. [War Chant-Teakabu(Woodman)], owned by Carreras Int., trained by J. L. Eyre, will be ridden by I. López.
Porquenotecallas (GB, 2006), ch. colt [Fantastic Light-Ganga(Generous)], Cuadra África, J. M. Osorio, ridden by J Crocquevieille.
Red Barcelona (IRE, 2007), ch. colt [Indian Haven-Purepleasureseeker(Grand Lodge)], Cuadra C. de Chareta, trained by B. Rama, will be ridden by F. Alvarado
Albur (GB, 2008), ch. colt. [Noverre-Priena(Priolo)], Cuadra África, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. E. Jarcoksky. Albur is half brother to Entre Copas and Casaca and this is his second start (unplaced in his debut)

Le Feu du ciel will be the favourite.

Camuray (SPA) wins the Premio Loterías y Apuestas del Estado

Camuray (SPA, 2005) [Slipstream King-Reina Blanca], the dark bay colt owned and bred by Yeguada Cortiñal and trained by Enrique León, won the main race of this Friday over the sloppy track at Mijas, Málaga. He was ridden by the Czech Vaclav Janacek, who is now leading the jockey standings in Spain. Newby and Bahraj were first and second for most of the race, with Camuray third. However, in the stretch, Newby faded and, although Bahraj hold on, Camuray won easily. Barking was third and Compton Park was fourth.

It is the ninth win in 36 starts for Camuray, with earnings of 81,000 euros. Here is the race: Premio Loterías y Apuestas del Estado. Janacek, aboard Camuray, has a red body with a yellow cross and yellow cap.

Ariete Arrollador was scratched because of the conditions of the track.


In the third race, a 2,600 m race for 4 y/o+, the two favourites, Carmanor (SPA) and Le Feu du Ciel (FR) were also scratched because of the track. The winner was Mustaqer (IRE, 2006), a bay gelding [Dalakhani-Al Ihtithar], ridden by Jose Carlos Cerqueira for trainer O. Anaya and Cuadra San Acacio, with Red Barcelona (IRE) second, Seminole Cry (USA) third and Zarievich Nuñez (IRE). fourth. This is the video: Premio E-Quiniela

Races tomorrow Friday 22 in Mijas

The program of Mijas this Friday will be composed of five races, including a 2,600 m race that marks the return of Carmanor (SPA) [Slip Anchor-Menta], winner of the Premio Gladiateur (3,000 m, last autumn in Madrid) and second in the Memorial Duque de Toledo. Carmanor, owned and trained by J. M. Osorio, will face one of the pre-race favourites of the Mijas Cup, Le Feu du Ciel (FR), who disappointed in the Mijas Cup but may prefer this distance.

The rest of the partants are Comanche Trail (FR), Blackberry Boy (IRE), Zarievich Nuñez (IRE), Mustaqer (IRE), Eriko (SPA), Red Barcelona (IRE) and Seminole Cry (USA).

The main race of the program is a 1,200 m race for 3 y/o+, with Ariete Arrollador (GB) winner of the Premio Cimera 2010 and recent second in the Premio Habitancum, Bombadil(IRE), Borken (SPA) Camuray (SPA), Compton Park (GB), Newby(GB), Stormy Montlioux(FR), Bahraj (USA), Barking(IRE) and Saltergate (GB)

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).