Claramont was the hero in the Handicap de las Américas
- Turf Diario
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With Juan José Apango in the saddle and trained by Alejandro “El Cebollas” Moreno, the Speightstown colt completed a story of triumph and perseverance
MÉXICO, México York (Special for Turf Diario).- He dislikes rain, struggles to switch leads around turns, had to break from a tricky gate, and wasn’t among the favorites. None of that mattered. Claramont found the perfect moment to rise to the occasion and captured the LXXX Handicap de Las Américas, crafting one of those feel-good stories that horsemen love.
Acquired by Cuadra El Embarcadero via a claiming race, the Speightstown colt had shown little in eight starts under his new colors, with just two wins. But on Saturday, in his ninth start, destiny awaited. With Juan José Apango, his partner since the start of the season, in the irons, and trained by Alejandro “El Cebollas” Moreno, Claramont settled mid-pack, patiently biding his time to execute his masterstroke.
In the stretch, Claramont began to reel in the leaders. Taking command, he held firm under Apango’s steady guidance, resisting the late charge of a game RM Acorazado (Solomini). The finish was cinematic: a neck separated the brave chestnut from his pursuer as he etched his name in the history books.
The victory meant far more than a win. Apango fulfilled his dream of triumphing in his first attempt at the prestigious race; Moreno, after years of effort, finally reached the winner’s circle; and Cuadra El Embarcadero saw its patience rewarded after navigating the challenges of the horse’s acquisition.
Bred in the U.S. by Roxanne Martin Stable, Claramont (Key Component—Indian Charlie) covered 1911 meters in 1:59 3/5. Since March 22, 2025, he has been under the care of Moreno Aparicio, who guided him to this pinnacle.
The trophy presentation carried special significance. Mauricio Sulaimán, president of the World Boxing Council and the event’s godfather, compared the finish to “the greatest knockout of Julio César Chávez.” Meanwhile, Ubal Ríos, deputy director of Complejo Las Américas, thanked the crowd and all those who make the Handicap de Las Américas a continued success.
