Ignacio Correas and One Last Big Dance in the Distaff with Sarawak Rim

After saddling the Argentine mare this Saturday at Del Mar, the trainer will retire from the profession and return to his home country—a moment filled with emotion, reflection, and a sense of closure

Ignacio Correas to Bid Farewell to Training in the Distaff with Sarawak Rim / KEENELAND

By Diego H. Mitagstein (Special Correspondent for Turf Diario at Del Mar, California)

DEL MAR, California — There will be many horses and many stories at Del Mar this weekend, but few as touching—or as profound—as that of Ignacio Correas (IV). After 24 years abroad, the Argentine trainer will close the curtain on his professional career this Saturday when he sends out Sarawak Rim in the GI Breeders’ Cup Distaff. It will be his farewell to the barns, to the early mornings, to the tack and the scent of horses that have defined his life.

“It’s a very special week, without question,” says Nacho calmly, as he watches his mare jog along the Del Mar dirt. “To have the chance to run my last race in a Breeders’ Cup—it’s really wonderful. It’s not easy to get to this kind of race, so being here for my farewell makes it all the more meaningful.”

A member of one of Argentina’s most prominent turf families, Correas was born into the trade. Schooled in the traditional Argentine way, he left for the United States nearly a quarter-century ago and built a reputation grounded in hard work, professionalism, and quiet excellence. Over time, his name became synonymous with preparation and integrity—highlighted by unforgettable moments such as Blue Prize’s (Pure Prize) emotional victory in this same Distaff in 2019, a triumph that stirred an entire continent.

Now, the cycle comes full circle.

“I’m happy with my decision,” he admits with a serene smile—a mix of relief and nostalgia. “This has been a life devoted to horses, but I’ve known many trainers who’ve retired, and none of them are sad. I hope it’s the same for me.”

It won’t be easy to imagine life without the dawn workouts and the daily rhythm of the backstretch.

“I’ll miss the mornings, the horses, my people… I’ve always been happiest going to work at daybreak. It’ll take some adjustment, but I’ll figure it out,” he adds.

That mix of melancholy and contentment is balanced by a deeper emotion—the joy of going home.

“Returning to Argentina means everything,” he says. “My family, my friends… there are so many I haven’t seen in years. Regaining that lost time is the best part of this retirement.”

Before that homecoming, there’s one final mission: Sarawak Rim, his last runner.

“She’s doing great—training beautifully,” he notes. “It’s a very tough race, probably the hardest of the year to make your debut here, but she’s talented and has a bright future. If she can stay close and find her rhythm, she could run well.”

Whatever the result, Saturday will be about more than just a race. It will be the farewell of a man who carried Argentina’s colors with dignity, professionalism, and passion—qualities that have defined him throughout his journey.

“I hope it’s a big finish,” says Nacho, pausing for a moment before adding, “Actually, it already is. Running in a Breeders’ Cup is always big. It means a lot to me—but also to Argentine horses and to South American racing as a whole.”

And so, when Sarawak Rim walks into the Del Mar paddock, Ignacio Correas will take his final stroll as a trainer—a fitting end to a remarkable career, and the beginning of a new chapter closer to home.

A last dance touched with glory for an Argentine horseman who honored his craft, every step of the way.