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.

Ketala wins the Premio Valderas

Ketala (FR, 2009) [Gold Away-Afriketa(Desert Story )] won last Sunday the first Classic of the season, the Premio Valderas (Spanish 1,000 Guineas, 1,600 m, 3yo fillies, 24,000 euros for the winner), coming from the last positions to win in an impressive fashion in her second start. She is owned by Cuadra LAC Internacional, trained by Jesús López and was ridden by Marco Secci.

Extrañeza (Caradak) was second four lengths behind Ketala, with She Rules (Aussie Rules) a closee third and Irish Cliff (Marju) fourth. Flash McQueen (Dyhim Diamond) and Castellana (Yorik) were the front runners, and the field of 14 (after the scratching of Laura Moon and Ladyin) opened wide, with Ketala, from the outside, coming strongly to win. This is the second win in two starts for Ketala, whose dam, Afriketa won the Benítez de Lugo (the most important race for 3yo+ fillies in the autumn) in 2006, beating Jade, Guadalmedina and Johanie Cara and was 3rd in the GP Hispanidad (beaten by Trip to the Moon and Prince d'Orange). Plans for Ketala may include running in France.

Ketala (Gold Away), winner of the Premio Valderas, with jockey Marco Secci. Photo courtesy of Turfarganda.blogspot.com

Here is the video:  Premio Valderas 2012. Ketala is a black filly and her jockey wears dark blue and yellow body and yellow cap.


Other winners of the meeting were: Turrialba (Trade Fair) in a 2,200m claiming race for 4yo+ Spanish breds, Band Karo (Desert Style) and Lodosa (Dyhim Diamond) in the first and second parts of the split handicap over 1,800 m, Nonalass (Fol Parade) in a 1,600 m race for 3yo fillies and Shumookh (Mujahid) in a 1,400 m race for 4yo+.

Here is the photo report of the meeting by Turfarganda.blogspot.com

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

Volcánico (IRE) wins the Gobierno Vasco

Volcánico (IRE, 2008) [Refuse to Bend-Zayana], owned by Cuadra Los Toneles, trained by Francisco Rodríguez, ridden by Julien Grosjean won by two and a half lengths the Premio Gobierno Vasco, one of the most important mile races in the Spanish calendar, beating Bellaside (IRE, 2007) [La Vie dei Colori-Brockton Saga], property of Grupo Bolaños Gran Canaria, trained by Enrique León and ridden by J L. Martínez, with As de Trébol (USA, 2006) [Tapit-Adelphi(Danzig)], owned by Cuadra Chicago, trained by M. Delcher S, with jockey Borja Fayos third and Shumookh (IRE, 2003) [Mujahid-Midway Lady] Cuadra Los Aspirantes-Dos Tumbos, trained by T. Callejo, with J. C. Cerqueira, fourth. As de Trébol led with a fast pace, with Shumookh some 3-4 lengths behind, until the home stretch. Volcánico, who was third for most of the race, catched the two frontrunners and held off easily the final charge of Bellaside.

This is a 13-minute video of the race: Premio Gobierno Vasco 2011, Lasarte racetrack. Volcánico adds this race to his impressive curriculum, winner of the Gran Criterium at 2 and winner of the Torre Arias, the GP Claudio Carudel and the Gobierno Vasco at three. He has never run above 1,600 m. The double Carudel-Gobierno Vasco represents two of the three most prestigious 1,600 m races for 3y/o+, the third being the GP Hispanidad, to be held in Madrid in October. This is the second Gobierno Vasco for jockey Julien Grosjean, winner in 2009 with Aranel.

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

Volcánico, Don Fernando Hab, Shumookh, As de Trébol

Two races of this Sunday's meeting in San Sebastián are prep races for the Premio Gobierno Vasco (the most important mile race of the season, for 3 yo+, to be held in August 21th). In first one of these two races (Premio Real Sociedad de Fútbol), over 1,400 m, Volcánico (IRE, 2008) [Refuse to Bend-Zayana)], recent winner of the GP Claudio Carudel in Madrid, will face Don Fernando Hab (SPA,2008) [Intikhab-Flying Fulmar(Bahamian Bounty)] who beat him in their only duel so far and who comes from three wins in a row out of four starts. Volcánico will be ridden by Julien Grosjean for trainer Francisco Rodríguez and owner Cuadra Los Toneles, and J. E. Jarkovswy will ride Don Fernando Hab for Cuadra Vadillo and trainer A. Carrasco. Mil Azul (SPA, 2008) [Russian Blue-Cuittled(Charismatic)], El Incendio (IRE, 2008) [Clodovil-Duckmore Bay(Titus Livius)] and La Llanura (CAN, 2008) [El Prado-Herzblatt(Cozzene)] (the only filly), complete the total 5 partants.

The Premio Cocacola is que equivalent race for 4yo+ and has Shumookh (IRE, 2003) [Mujahid-Midway Lady(Alleged)] and As de Trébol (USA, 2006) as favourites. Shumookh won the Premio Gobierno Vasco last year, holding off the attack by Silverside and will try to repeat this year, beginning with this prep race. Cerqueira, as usual, will ride Shumookh, who may reach 200,000 euros in earnings in this race. Los Aspirantes are their owners and T. Callejo is his trainer. As de Trébol will be ridden by B. Fayos for Cuadra Chicago and M. Delcher S. Lince (GB, 2006, Singspiel), Makaamen (GB, 2006, Selkirk), Salpado (FR, 2006), Washita (SPA, 2007, British Open) and Zacarías (FR, 2005, Slickly) complete the field.

Volcánico (IRE) wins the Gran Premio Claudio Carudel

Volcánico (IRE, 2008), [Refuse to Bend-Zayana(Darshaan)], the bay colt owned by Cuadra Los Toneles and trained by Francisco Rodríguez, won today the GP Claudio Carudel, the most important weight-for-age 1,600 m race in the spring season of the La Zarzuela racetrack. Volcánico was ridden by R.C. Montenegro and beat Ariete Arrollador (GB, 2007) by one and 3/4 lengths, with Shumookh (GB, 2003) third and the favourite Silverside fourth.

Shumookh was the frontrunner, and this time, Volcánico went closer to the lead than usual, 2nd for most of the race, until he launched his attack in the stretch to surpass Shumookh, with Ariete Arrollador closing strongly for second.

Volcánico (IRE, 2008) [Refuse to Bend-Zayana] (number 12) beating Shumookh, Ariete Arrollador and Silverside to win the Premio Claudio Carudel. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com


This is the fourth win in ten starts for Volcánico (the only 3 y/o of the race), who has also 5 placings and totals 76,200 euros in prize money, having claimed the Gran Criterium at two and this GP Claudio Carudel as his two main wins. The dam of Volcánico, Zayana, by Darshaan, won 3 times in France and comes from the female line of Petite Etoile. A half brother to Volcánico, by Tiger Hill, was not sold in the Orby Million Sale of yearlings in 2010.

Here is the race: Gran Premio Claudio Carudel 2011

Gran Premio Claudio Carudel this Sunday

Established only 5 years ago, the GP Claudio Carudel is a 1,600 m race for 3yo+, held in the La Zarzuela racecourse (turf), with a prize of 27,000 euros for the winner. The 2011 edition has the following partants:

Ariete Arrollador (GB, 2007) [Kingsalsa-Proud Donna(Kaldoun)]. Winner of the 2010 Premio Cimera, he was second to Amadeo Rey in the Premio Habitancum this season. Owned by Cuadra Albero, trained by G. Arizkorreta, he will be ridden by J. L. Borrego.

Bottega (USA, 2007) [Mineshaft-Sun is Up(Sunday Silence)] is a chestnut colt, owned by Cuadra Madroños and trained by M. Delcher S. He will be ridden by Borja Fayos. Bottega won the Criterium de Languedoc (Listed race) at two. He spent most of his 3yo season running 2,400 m races and has been redirected to 1,600-1,400 m this year. He won his last start in Tarbes (France).

Compton Park (GB, 2007) [Compton Place-Corps de Ballet] Owned by Rachel Teadale Racing, trained by J. L. Eyre, he will be ridden by J. L. Martínez.

Doende (SPA, 2006) [Wagon Master-Chloe(Green Desert)] a bay colt, owned by Cuadra Río Cubas, trained by J. C. Fernández, will be ridden by B. Fayos. Doende won the 1,800 m Gran Premio de Nacionales, beating Suntuoso and then was second to Suntuoso in the GP de Andalucía.

Makaamen (GB, 2006), [Selkirk-Bird Key] is a chestnut gelding, owned and trained by T. Callejo that will be ridden by F. Lynch

Peñalen (GB, 2006) [King's Best-Quarter Note] owned by Cuadra Viguria, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille.

Shumookh (GB, 2003) [Mujahid-Midway Lady(Alleged)] owned by Cuadra Los Aspirantes-Dos tumbos, trained by T. Callejo, will be ridden by J. L. Cerqueira. He won in his last start, beating Bellaside

Silverside (USA, 2006) [Pleasantly Perfect-Lyrical Ghost] owned by Cuadra SafSaf, trained by Frederick Sánchez is arguably the best miler in Spain and, along with his starts in Turkey, France and Dubai, he won the 2009 Premio Cimera (2,000 Guineas), beating As de Trébol, the GP de la Hispanidad, twice (2009 and 2010, the GP de la Hispanidad is a weight for age 1,600 mile race in Madrid in autumn) and the last edition of this Gran Premio Claudio Carudel. Silverside was 3rd in the Prix Edmond Blanc Gr. 3 this year.

Suntuoso (SPA, 2005 [Sherman-Ninuca(Ti King)], won the Gran Premio de Andalucía in the Dos Hermanas racetrack (Seville), beating Doende and Compton Park, and has reappeared some weeks ago, beaten by Shumookh, Bellaside

Volapie (SPA, 2007) [Multazem-Bassaver] is a bay gelding, owned by Cuadra Romana Alta, trained by M. J. Pérez, that will be ridden by M. Díaz. Volapie was fourth in the Mijas Cup and then won in the dirt in Madrid.

Bellaside (IRE, 2007) (La Vie del Colori-Brockton Saga] is a bay filly, owned by Grupo Bolaños Gran Canaria, trained by E. León and will be ridden by V, Janacek. She was one of the best fillies at 2, and she was second to Silverside in the GP Hispanidad last autumn. This season, she was 7th in the Premio Habitancum, 1st in the Premio Andrés Covarrubias and 3rd to Shumookh and Lince in her last start.

Volcánico (IRE, 2008) [Refuse to Bend-Zayana], a bay colt, is the only 3 yo of the race. He was champion 2 yo, and began well his 3yo season, winning the Torre Arias, but was 5th in the Premio Cimera and third in his last start. He is owned by Cuadra Los Toneles, trained by F. Rodríguez and will be ridden by R. C. Montenegro.


The race is named after Claudio Carudel, the French jockey, established in Spain for a long time, almost a household name in Spain for anyone and who was the jockey for Villapadierna, Beamonte and then Cuadra Rosales, a historical stable owned by the late Antonio Blasco. Carudel came to Spain from Chantilly (France) at 19, in 1958 and retired from racing in 1989, after winning a great number of the biggest races in Spain, including 12 times the GP de Madrid.

Winners of the previous editions of the race are: Silverside (2010), Lorgan (2009), Yepes (2008), Trueno Negro (2007) and Dirce (2006). Here is the video of the last running of this race: GP Claudio Carudel 2010, with Silverside beating the frontrunner Shumookh, both partants this Sunday.

Shumookh and Don Hernando Hab won the miles

There were two races over a mile in the Sunday meeting, one for 4yo+ and the other for 3 yo.

The first one was won by Shumookh (IRE, 2003), the bay gelding owned by Cuadra Los Aspirantes-Dos Tumbos, trained by T. Callejo and ridden by J.C. Cerqueira. He won wire to wire, with Lince second and Bellaside third. Shumookh seems in good form for his third attempt to win the GP Claudio Carudel, the main mile for 3 yo+ in the spring at La Zarzuela. He was second to Silverside last year. Shumookh [Mujahid-Midway Lady] has now 31 starts with 10 wins, 14 placings and more than 190,000 euros in prize money.

Cerqueira checks his rivals aboard Shumookh. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com

This is the race: Premio Patrimonio Nacional


Meanwhile, in the mile for 3 y/o, the winner was the Spanish bred Don Fernando Hab [Intikhab-Flying Fulmar], who took advantage of the movement of Volcánico (IRE) towards the stand side, losing some ground. Del Cossa (FR) was second and Volcánico, third.

Also this Sunday, two miles and first product of Caradak

Besides the Premio Beamonte, the meeting of this Sunday includes two interesting races over a mile:

The Premio Patrimonio Nacional, for 4 yo+, includes among its partants Shumookh [GB, 2003, bay gelding] [Mujahid-Midway Lady] owned by Cuadra Los Aspirantes-Dos Tumbos, trained by T. Callejo and ridden by J. C. Cerqueira and Bellaside (IRE, 2007, bay filly) [La Vie dei Colori-Brockton Saga], owned by Grupo Bolaños-Gran Canaria, trained by E. León and ridden by E. León, the 2-1 of the recent Premio Andrés Covarrubias.

Suntuoso (SPA, 2005) reappears after his win in the GP de Andalucía, a 1,600 m race in the Dos Hermanas racetrack (Seville).

Guerendiain (SPA, 2007) [Dyhim Diamond-Sharp and Star], owned by Cuadra San Cristóbal and trained by J. López, has won 4 of her 5 last starts and her last 4 starts in Madrid. She will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina.

Peñalén (GB, 2006) [King's Best-Quarter Note], a bay gelding owned by Cuadra Viguria and trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille.
Other partants are: Turrialba, Lince and Whoswithya

The 6th race, Premio Wildsun, a 1,600 m race for 3 y/o, with only 6 partants has, however, the presence of Volcánico (IRE) [Refuse to Bend-Zayana], winner of the Premio Torre Arias and best 2 y/o in 2010, who will face Dixlesio (IRE) [Ifraaj-Sabaah Elfull], winner of 3 of his last 4 outings, and second in the other, Del Cossa (FR) [Della Francesca-La Frandiere], recent winner in his third start, Don Fernando Hab (SPA) [Intikhab-Flying Fulmar], El Incendio (IRE) and Don Pablos (IRE).


In the first race, a 1,000 m race for 2 yo debutants, Fearside will be the first product of the Dehesa de Milagro stallion Caradak to race (at least in Spain). She is a bay filly by Caradak-Fear to Tread(Peintre Celebre), owned by Cuadra SafSaf and trained by F. Rodríguez.

Indiano (SPA) wins the Premio Velayos and Bellaside (IRE) wins the Covarrubias

Indiano (SPA, 2008) [Intikhab-Badaayer(Silver Hawk)], bay colt owned by Cuadra El Potro Club and trained by G. Arizkorreta, won today the Premio Velayos with jockey Vaclav Janacek. Llanes (USA, 2008) [Giant Causeway-Coachella(Danehill)] took the lead from the beginning, with a fast pace, and kept it until the home stretch in which Indiano was the first to attack and held off the charge of Arnuero (GB, 2008) [Sakhee-Penang Pearl(Bering)] who was third and Francesco Cara (FR, 2008) [Della Francesca-Magic Cara(Akarad)] who was second. Malkova (FR) finished fourth.

Indiano (SPA) beating Francesco Cara and Arnuero. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com


Video: Premio Velayos 2011

This is the first win for Indiano (SPA), who was fourth, third and second in his previous starts.

In the Premio Andrés Covarrubias, the winner was Bellaside (IRE, 2007) [La Vie dei Colori-Brockton Saga(Perugino)] a bay filly owned by Cuadra Grupo Bolaños, trained by Enrique León and also ridden by Vaclav Janacek. She charged in the home stretch to catck the front runner Shumookh (IRE, 2003) [Mujahid-Midway Lady(Alleged)] who finished second, holding off a final attack by Ariete Arrollador (GB), third, with As de Trébol (USA), fourth in is return to Spain.

Bellaside (IRE) (green and red) beating Shumookh, Ariete Arrollador and As de Trébol. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com


This is the video: Premio Andrés Covarrubias

Premio Velayos and Premio Covarrubias this Sunday 8th

The Sunday May 8th meeting in Madrid (La Zarzuela) features two very interesting races: the Premio Velayos (2,200 m, 3 yo, traditional trial race for the Villapadierna - Spanish Derby) and the Premio Andrés Covarrubias (1,400 m, 4 yo+) with the return to La Zarzuela of As de Trébol (USA), recent Gr. 3 placed in Dubai.

In the Premio Velayos, the third race of the card, the favourite is Arnuero (GB) [Sakhee-Pennang Pearl], the half brother to Harbinger who won his last (and second) start: Premio SEPI. Arnuero is owned by Cuadra Bering and trained by M. Delcher S. He will be ridden by Borja Fayos.

Arnuero (GB, 2008) after his win in March 27th. Photo courtesy of: turfarganda.blogspot.com

Arnuero will face other five partants:

Fleche d'Arcis (FR) [Anabaa Blue-Feale(Barathea)], owned by Cuadra Talismán, trained by J. A. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. Grosjean. He won in his last start, but this race seems beyond his reach.

Francesco Cara (FR, 2008) [Della Francesca-Magic Cara] is half brother to Johannie Cara (filly, 2003) (Johann Quatz), third in the Spanish Oaks and in the Gran Premio de Madrid. He has two starts with a third and a fourth. He is owned by Cuadra Santa Bárbara and trained by T. Callejo and will be ridden by J. C. Cerqueira.

Indiano (SPA, 2008) [Intikhab-Badaayer], owned by El Potro Club, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek. He was beaten by Arnuero (see race above) and then he was second to Abdel in this race

Llanes (USA) [Giant's Causeway-Coachela(Danehil)]. Owned by Cuadra Bering, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by Jorge Horcajada

Malkova (FR) [Xaar-Bonne Gargotte(Poliglote)]. Owned by Luis Alberto Núñez, trained by J. A. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille.

Llanes and Malkova were second and third, respectively, in the Premio Nouvel An won by Happy Few


The Premio Andrés Covarrubias (1,400 m, 4 y/o+) also has a very interesting field: Ariete Arrollador, winner of the Premio Cimera in 2010, As de trébol (USA), back from Dubai, Amadeo Rey, recent winner of the Premio Habitancum, Shumookh, the highly versatile gelding, Peñalen (GB), winner of the Premio Antonio Blasco last year, Bellaside (IRE), Ave Titus (GB), Magic Victory (GB), Montalban (FR) and Whoswithya (IRE).

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).