Dany Etchechoury: “Drive Joy is one of those horses that come along only once in a while”

Following the solid victory of the son of Fortify in the Clásico Italia (G3) over 2000 meters at Palermo, the trainer celebrated the colt's progress. He also highlighted the runner-up performance of Safwan and noted that he must now organize his stable strategy ahead of the major year-end targets

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (Special for Turf Diario).— The question had been raised, and Drive Joy took it upon himself to answer with a commanding performance. The step up to 2000 meters loomed as a major test for the Haras Firmamento homebred, particularly given the tendency to race with excess eagerness that he had displayed throughout much of his early career. However, in the Clásico Italia (G3), he showcased a far more mature side, settled nicely under restraint, and ultimately asserted his superior class.

Delighted with the outcome, Carlos D. Etchechoury primarily emphasized the transformation the son of Fortify has undergone since his initial clashes against the top horses of his generation.

“To be honest, it was a tough challenge because we had been experimenting with him between the mile and the 2000 meters. Early on, he was an overly aggressive horse; I recall last year’s Polla de Potrillos, where he didn't really allow himself to be rated and paid the price in the final strides. Today he is a completely different horse—he keeps evolving and adapting. I was pleasantly surprised by how well he settled and by the magnificent job done by his jockey,” Danyexplained.

That experience in the Polla de Potrillos (G1) yielded valuable lessons and marked a true turning point. Drive Joypossessed talent in abundance, yet still needed to learn how to ration his speed so that all his power could be sustained all the way to the wire. With time, patience, and targeted work, he gradually put that early anxiety behind him, and his display in the Italia proved he now commands a far broader repertoire.

The rebuilding process included a mandatory hiatus following the opening leg of the 2025 Triple Crown. Rather than rushing his return, the connections opted to give him turnout time in the countryside—a decision that proved pivotal in restoring him to peak form.

“After the Polla, we had to stop him for a bit. He had a minor issue, but instead of treating him at the barn, we decided to send him out to the farm. He came back in fantastic shape. He’s one of those rare horses that come along only once in a while—he has a massive engine and is always rock-solid,” the trainer noted.

His hard-fought victory in the Clásico Perú (G2) over 1800 meters provided the first concrete evidence that he was ready to compete at a high level once more. Now, extending to 2000 meters for the first time, he not only took another step forward but provided an emphatic answer to one of the biggest questions surrounding his future distance capabilities.

The satisfaction was twofold for Etchechoury, as Don Machete (Daddy Long Legs), another of his stable stars, secured the runner-up spot with a gritty effort that also earned praise. While unable to threaten the winner's superiority, he proved once again that he belongs in top-tier company.

“He was superb as well. He continues to progress while taking on tough opposition. I loved his race—he ran with pure heart,” summarized the conditioner.

With Drive Joy now established over 2000 meters and Don Machete rapidly improving, the final stretch of the racing calendar presents numerous options. The upcoming task will be balancing stable forces, picking the right surfaces, and identifying the most suitable spot for each horse.

“Now we enter that time of year where everything is on the table. There are great stakes races over the distance, both on turf and dirt. We have to evaluate how the horses came out of tough races like the Campeonato Palermo de Oro Verde and the Carreras de las Estrellas, see where each feels most comfortable, and organize the stable for the major targets ahead,” Etchechoury concluded.

The Clásico Italia delivered far more than a simple victory. It confirmed that Drive Joy has learned how to race, that he can carry his speed over classic distances, and that his name will be a major factor when the high-stakes challenges of the year-end season arrive.