Farewell to Don Feres: a champion who crossed borders

The Peruvian crack died in Argentina after suffering from laminitis that he could not overcome; without a doubt, he was a regional reference in recent years

Don Feres, a crack to whom destiny did not allow a G1 victory / JCP

South American racing bids farewell to one of its most prominent figures of recent times. After a battle of several weeks against laminitis, the Peruvian horse Don Feres died in Argentina. The son of Singe The Turf earned a place of privilege in the regional rankings thanks to his talent and versatility.

The Stud Jet Set representative, who had been moved to Argentina with the goal of continuing his career on the top stages of Buenos Aires, could not overcome the complications arising from the disease detected some time ago. Despite the efforts of professionals and intensive care, the outcome occurred in recent hours, generating deep sorrow both in his native Peru and in the local racing community.

Don Feres was not just another runner. Under the tutelage of Juan Suárez Villarroel, the gray built a career that positioned him as the best performer on the turf at Monterrico. His ability to dominate middle and long distances led him to conquer the most demanding tests on the Peruvian calendar.

His career saw great moments. For example, his victories in the Clásicos Presidente de la República (G2), Almirante Miguel Grau Seminaro (G2), Enrique Meiggs (G2), Miguel Checa Eguiguren (G3), Pedro García Miro (G3), Gustavo Prado Heudebert (G2), Claudio Fernández Concha (G3), Laredo (L), and Selectos Potrillos Césped; his titles as Champion 2-Year-Old Colt and Champion Older Turf Horse in 2023 and 2024; his participation in the Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1), finishing second at San Isidro, where he was always considered one of the main assets of the Peruvian delegation, measuring forces with the best in the region; and his unforgettable third-place finish in the 2024 Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1), finishing just behind Intense for Me (Fortify) and El Kodigo (Equal Stripes).

His stay in Argentina after that last race generated logical expectation. The quality of Peruvian horses on the turf is historically recognized, and Don Feres arrived with the credentials to challenge for the San Isidro grand prizes. However, shortly after his arrival, physical problems began to affect his conditioning.

His final performance was in the Gran Premio 25 de Mayo (G1) last season, where he finished ninth and second-to-last, more than 33 lengths behind Honest Boy (Heliostatic), as the heavy favorite and already with his health playing tricks on him.

Laminitis, a hoof condition that is often devastating for high-competition horses, was diagnosed early, prompting exhaustive treatment. For weeks, the team in charge of his care attempted to stabilize him, but the complexity of the pathology ultimately compromised his overall health.

Even before the last Latinoamericano at Gávea, Rio de Janeiro, the manager of Jet Set had announced on Objetivo Latino, via Global Media Turf, that Don Feres was struggling, with a very unfavorable prognosis.

The loss of the gray leaves a gap that will be difficult to fill for Stud Jet Set and for regional racing. He was a horse that, beyond the results, stood out for his nobility and a consistency that kept him in the elite for several seasons. Paradoxically, he passed away without winning a G1; calling it an injustice would be an understatement.

In a sport where excellence is hard to sustain, the grandson of Galileo proved that South American racing continues to produce specimens capable of inspiring admiration in any latitude. His physical departure on Argentine soil closes a sad chapter, but his name will remain inscribed in the golden pages of Peruvian racing.

The trajectory of Don Feres will serve as a reference for future generations of runners seeking to make the leap from Monterrico to the great international stages. A horse with class has departed, a stayer crack who fought his last race with the same fortitude he showed whenever he stepped into the final stretch...