Monterrico Lived Its Great National Holiday Festival with Victories for Nader Alfonso and Del Real
- Turf Diario
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
They captured the Clásico Independencia (G2) and Clásico Santorín (G3) this Wednesday before a packed crowd at Monterrico
LIMA, Peru (Special for Turf Diario).— Hipódromo de Monterrico once again dressed in its finest to celebrate one of the most traditional dates on its racing calendar. With a packed crowd filling the grandstands and an atmosphere perfectly fitting the celebrations for Peru's Independence Day, the Lima venue hosted a Wednesday of top-tier action, featuring the Clásico Independencia (G2) and the Clásico Santorín-Augusto Maggiolo Cavenecia (G3) as the marquee attractions of a card that brought together the region's premier stayers.
The featured event starred Nader Alfonso, who confirmed all his class to capture the storied Independencia over 2400 meters on the dirt. The battle-tested 7-year-old son of Lookin At Lucky and Humint (Mutakddim) delivered a dominant performance to secure the twentieth victory of his career, continuing to build a record that firmly places him among the top marathoners in Peruvian racing.
Carrying the colors of Stud El Herraje, the American-bred found an ideal partner in Esvin Requejo. The jockey rated the pace with clinical precision, and when the decisive moment arrived, called upon the class of the Gonzalo Rojastrainee, who responded with authority to hit the wire 5 1/4 lengths clear.
Finishing behind the winner was Karim Forever (Enticed), while the favorite and pacesetter Manyuz (Run Away and Hide) finished third, just a half-length behind the runner-up after setting the tempo for much of the journey. Enforceable (Tapit) rounded out the superfecta, with Gluck (Koko Mambo) bringing up the rear. Split times were 24s85/100, 49s72/100, 1m14s65/100, 1m40s26/100, and 2m8s46/100, stopping the clock at a final time of 2m35s23/100.
As mentioned, the victory marked the 20th win in 38 starts for Nader Alfonso, boosting his official earnings to 169,482 soles and reaffirming his admirable longevity in long-distance events.
The traditional Gala Meeting also enjoyed strong institutional support. Among the dignitaries in attendance was Miguel Ángel Torres Morales, President of the Senate and Second Vice President of the Republic, who was accompanied by prominent figures from Lima's political and social spheres. All were welcomed in the Official Box by Danilo Chávez Abad, President of the Jockey Club del Perú, alongside members of his Board of Directors.
The afternoon's other marathon highlight, the Clásico Santorín-Augusto Maggiolo Cavenecia (G3), delivered a thrilling finish over 2400 meters on the turf, ultimate crowning Del Real, who prevailed by a mere half-head following a heart-stopping duel down the stretch.
Bred by Haras El Centauro, the 4-year-old chestnut son of Galapiat and Adele (Riyadian) successfully carried the silks of Stud Expresso. Given an inspired ride by Miguel Vilcarima, the Jorge Bello pupil found daylight in the final stages to edge out the stubborn resistance of Marc Rosso (Marconi), who ran a heroic race in defeat.
Further back came Boudica (The Lieutenant), 5 lengths adrift of the top two, followed by Bad Bunny (Bourbon Resolution), while Il Omare (Il Campione) and Ulpiano (Singe the Turf) completed the field.
For Del Real, this marked the fifth victory in a career of just 12 starts, confirming the steady development of the stayer and bringing his earnings to 78,360 soles.
Featuring two storied stakes, a massive turnout, and a festive atmosphere throughout the day, Monterrico once again demonstrated why the Independence meeting remains one of the cornerstone events of the Peruvian racing calendar—bringing together sport, history, and a passion that continues to burn bright year after year.
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