On Saturday, June 29, the Hipódromo de La Zarzuela was the center of excitement, hosting the highly anticipated Gran Premio de Madrid. This event stands as the most significant race in the Spanish horse racing calendar, a dream for many professionals and owners hoping to see their horses finish first. By 6:00 PM, the venue was packed with fans, including families, groups of friends, and racing enthusiasts, all ready to experience a memorable day. The event also celebrated gastronomy, featuring food trucks and the Calor restaurant offering a delightful variety of culinary treats.
Among the standout races of the day was the EL PAÍS Prize (1980/1981/1982), sponsored by ¡HOLA! in Category C, Made In Spain. This handicap race included eight thoroughbreds competing over a distance of 2,200 meters. Capoeira, from Cuadra Rebus, dominated the race from start to finish, led by riders Alexandro Tsereteli and Nicolás de Julián. Capoeira maintained a strong advantage despite a late challenge from Kelgrist, who finished half a length behind in second place. Caccia Di Diana secured third place, coming in almost two lengths behind the winner.
Later in the day, the highlight race took place: the GRAN PREMIO DE MADRID, 88th Edition, sponsored by Mahou. This listed race featured eleven esteemed horses and mares, aged three and over, racing over 2,500 meters. War Of Dance took the lead early on in this challenging event that gathered the cream of the crop in horse racing. The crowd erupted into applause as this extraordinary mare from Cuadra Peques, trained by Guillermo Arizkorreta and expertly ridden by Nicolás Valle, made her way to victory. The Game finished strong, ending the race just a body length behind, while The Way Of Bonnie came in two lengths later, completing the top three. War Of Dance’s triumph drew thunderous cheers from the spectators.
During this special event, jockeys Vaclav Janacek and Nicolás Valle both shone, each securing two victories. Janacek’s wins came from Afrodita and West Of Wichita, while Valle rode to victory on Zambra and War Of Dance. This day at the Hipódromo de la Zarzuela marked a perfect conclusion to the Spring 2024 season, filled with excitement, fans relishing the show, the gardens, and the diverse culinary options available.
The day’s racing featured six events in total, with the first five held on turf and the final race on a synthetic track. The day kicked off at 6:45 PM with the Premio Íñigo Méndez de Vigo, a Category C event made in Spain. This race showcased ten two-year-old debuting colts running 1,400 meters, culminating in a thrilling win for Zambra from Cuadra L.A.C. Internacional, prepared by Ávaro Soto and ridden by Nicolás Valle, who surged ahead in the closing meters to secure the lead. Dame Audiencia finished in second place, over a body length behind, with Bulnes taking third, half a length later.
Another race, the Premio El Señor (1977/1978), classified as Category C, was a handicap running 1,800 meters featuring eight participants aged three and older. Perillán set the pace from the get-go, but as they approached the final stretch, Afrodita, from Cuadra Caral and trained by Juan Luis Maroto, launched a significant attack on the outside to win by half a body length. Orion came in third, a body length behind.
The fifth event, the Premio Baldoria (2006), was an important test designated for mares aged three and older, over a distance of 1,600 meters, with six contenders. West Of Wichita, from Cuadra Zacarías Sarmiento and trained by Óscar Anaya, gave an impressive performance, overcoming Love For Life by more than a body length, with Clori finishing closely behind in third.
The sixth and final race took place on the synthetic track, featuring the Premio Villa d’Este, another handicap for horses aged three and up, over 1,900 meters, with seven competitors. The finish was thrilling as Natural Talent, carrying the colors of Cuadra Virgen del Valle and trained by Efraín Arguinzones, fought fiercely to stay ahead of Stellaris, who finished just a head behind in second. Hey Jude trailed significantly in third place, ending over four lengths behind.
Overall, the Gran Premio de Madrid offered a rich experience of excitement, sportsmanship, and gastronomy, ensuring that both competitors and spectators alike left with unforgettable memories.
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