Iván Monasterolo: “We always thought Illa Alegre could stretch out"

The jockey was highly pleased with the performance of the veteran mare Illa Alegre from El Barrial in the Clásico Hipódromo Independencia de Rosario (G3)

The most important photo of Illa Alegre’s career / HLP

LA PLATA.- Illa Alegre’s victory in the Clásico Hipódromo Independencia de Rosario (G3)—one of the two stakes races featured on the La Plata program—came as a surprise to most observers.

At seven years old and seemingly past her best, she was trying 2000 meters for the first time and facing tough company. But her connections had a hunch that stretching out in trip might bring out her best—and they were right.

Guiding the daughter of Sabat Husson, jockey Iván Monasterolo—the 2014 Apprentice of the Year—has steadily built a solid career. He may not always be among the most talked-about riders, but he continues to show his talent every time opportunity knocks, as he did once again here.

After the race and the trophy presentation, Monasterolo spoke with Daniel Sinegub for the track’s internal TV network, reflecting on the mare’s hard-fought success for Stud El Barrial.

“I’m very happy with this win,” said Monasterolo, grinning from ear to ear. “On paper it looked like a tough race, with some really good mares in there. She’s seven, so she gives away a few years to those 4- and 5-year-olds, but she’s got a huge heart.”

He went on:

“I’ve been lucky to ride her in her last four or five starts, even managing to win with her before, and what stands out is that she’s a mare with tremendous courage. It was her first time going this far—she’d always run between 1400 and 1600 meters. We always felt she could stretch out, and today she proved it.”

For Monasterolo, it was the 822nd win of his career and his 45th in stakes company, including 24 graded events and seven at the Group 1 level. His résumé includes top performers such as Joy Epífora (Fortify), Ansia Clara (Angiolo), Nacho Surge (Storm Surge), Equal Miller (Equal Stripes), Wild Stream (Boboman), and Milagrosa Sureña (Try Twice), among others.

Now, with Illa Alegre, Monasterolo got the satisfaction of adding another black-type triumph to his record. And though the mare may be nearing the twilight of her career, both rider and connections are hopeful she still has a few more memorable photos left to take—especially now that she’s shown just how well she handles a longer trip.