Don Mártir Arrives in Time to Take the Domingo F. Sarmiento

Carrying just 53 kilos, the son of Il Campione unleashed a furious late rally to nail Cornwall and The Gladiator’s Hatin a thrilling finish

In the final strides, Don Mártir swept past on the outside / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

There was no shortage of drama in Wednesday’s featured Clásico Domingo Faustino Sarmiento (L–2400m, dirt) at San Isidro, as a relentless pace battle set the stage for a nail-biting finish that brought the crowd to its feet.

Cornwall (Remote, 57.5 kilos) and The Gladiator’s Hat (Hat Ninja, 58) were at each other’s throats from the break, cutting out strong fractions in a duel that looked destined to decide the race. But in the shadow of the wire, it was a third runner who seized the opportunity: Don Mártir, carrying the colors of Stud-Haras San Benito, who came charging out of the allowance ranks to announce himself on the big stage.

The son of Il Campione, in receipt of just 53 kilos, launched his run down the center of the course, reeling in the frontrunners to snatch victory by a head over Cornwall, with The Gladiator’s Hat another head away in third. The clock stopped at 2:28.52, with the remainder trailing a long way behind.

Ridden by Brian Enrique, the chestnut was content to sit just off the pace while Cornwall and the heavy favorite The Gladiator’s Hat slugged it out through fractions of :25.91, :49.87, 1:14.26 and 1:37.98. Once angled into the clear, Don Mártir quickened smartly, shifted gears, and surged home with enough momentum to wear down the weary leaders.

Trained by Carlos D. Etchechoury—and presented by Daniel A. Bordón—the winner is out of the G1-placed Mansa Inc(Include), purchased by Andrés Basombrío’s operation during the dispersal of Haras La Biznaga. She had already produced multiple stakes-placed Doña Magma (Daddy Long Legs) and hails from a family steeped in top-class performers, including G1 winners Hat Mario (Hat Ninja), Forty One (Archipenko), Monte Silvestre, and the unforgettable Savage Toss (Egg Toss), who delivered Argentina’s first G1 Gran Premio Latinoamericano triumph back in 1989.