Atlético El Culano Retired, to Stand at Stud in Libya

Winner of the 2021 Gran Premio José Pedro Ramírez (G1) and Runner-Up in the Longines Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1), Atlético El Culano Also Captured The Entisar (L) at Meydan; Will Stand at Al Watan Stud

Atlético El Culano winning The Entisar at Meydan/ DRC

DUBAI, Emiratos Arabes Unidos (Special for Turf Diario).- One of the finest Uruguayan racehorses of recent years has officially closed the curtain on his career. Atlético El Culano, a true emblem of the country's turf and a proud representative of the sky blue colors on some of the sport's most demanding international stages, has been retired from racing and will begin a new chapter as a stallion in Libya.

The announcement was made by the Dubai Racing Club, which reported that the son of Alcorano has been acquired by Al Watan Stud, where he will stand for the 2025/2026 breeding season. Bred by Haras Bagé do Sul, whose silks he also carried throughout his racing days, the dark bay closed out a brilliant campaign that saw him shine not only at Maroñasbut also at Meydan, with a stop in Chile along the way.

Atlético El Culano reached the top in his homeland with a blend of class and determination. Winner of the G1 Gran Premio José Pedro Ramírez in 2021, he also captured the G2 Gran Premio General Artigas. At Maroñas, he was runner-up in the G1 Longines Gran Premio Latinoamericano—behind Aero Trem (Shanghai Bobby)—as well as in the G2 Gran Premio Comparación and the G3 Clásico Carlos Pellegrini.

His consistency and talent inspired his connections to seek out greater challenges abroad. The journey led him to Dubai, where he faced some of the world’s best at the competitive Meydan circuit. Under the care of Antonio Cintra and Julio Olascoaga, he delivered a series of strong performances, highlighted by his victory in the Listed The Entisar, as well as thirds in both the G2 Godolphin Mile, on Dubai World Cup night, and the Listed Dubai Creek Mile.

Out of Alegre Baby (Yagli), Atlético El Culano is a full brother to champion Pacholli, winner of the G1 Gran Premio Ciudad de Montevideo, and to stakes winner La Dernieri (Alcorano).

Now, Uruguayan racing can take pride in seeing one of its brightest stars begin a new journey in a relatively unfamiliar market—one that has nonetheless shown increasing interest in South American bloodlines. His arrival at Al Watan Studwill be closely followed both in Uruguay and across the region. Atlético El Culano leaves the racetrack with widespread admiration, his legacy already secured in the memory of racing fans. The hope is that his impact will carry on through his progeny in the years to come.