Per-Anders Gråberg, first champion of La Zarzuela’s Jockeys Challenge

Before a huge crowd, there was no luck for Argentina’s Lucrecia Carabajal or Brazil’s Jorge Ricardo in Madrid

All the jockeys participating in the La Zarzuela Jockey Challenge / HIPÓDROMO DE MADRID

MADRID, España (Special for Turf Diario).- Per-Anders Graberg took over from his compatriot Ulrika Holmquist, winner of the three editions of the International Ladies Championship, to be crowned champion of the first-ever Jockeys Challenge held Thursday night at Hipódromo de La Zarzuela. Graberg won two of the five scheduled races with Yiajo (Shalaa) and Lady Aida (Cotai Glory), one on turf and the other on the synthetic track, proving why he is currently the top Nordic jockey – champion in Sweden ten times, Norway twice, and Scandinavia six times.

“Being in Madrid these two days with my family has been wonderful. I loved the city and the racecourse; the organization was spectacular. It was a great day of racing, and I was lucky to win two races and take the championship,” said Graberg, visibly emotional. In addition to his two victories, he added a fifth and a sixth place for a total of 38 points, just one ahead of Czech rider Vaclav Janácek, who finished second, while Italian Alberto Sannacompleted the podium with 34.

Fans packed the Torroja stands and saw Trofeo (Toronado) as the first winner of the evening. Trained by Óscar Anaya, the three-year-old scored decisively in the Desafío 20º Aniversario Farmacias Trébol over 1600 meters under a perfectly timed ride by Janácek. “He caught my eye on debut but was green that day. Today, he got stuck in the gates again but once in front, he was serious and always in hand. He lacks experience, but you feel he’s a real racehorse,” explained Janácek.

The Revirado (2200m) was the second and last turf race and gave Graberg his first win aboard Yiajo, who had been seventh in the Spanish Oaks (Gran Premio Beamonte). “The trainer, Guillermo Arizkorreta, gave me a lot of confidence, telling me she had a minor throat surgery two months ago to help her breathing and was in top form. He asked me to keep her forward, either leading or sitting second or third, and let her gallop. She won very easily,” Graberg commented.

The final three races were on the synthetic track, starting with the Eelite Equestrian Handicap (1200m), where Ambushed (Soldier’s Call), like Trofeo and Yiajo before him, justified favoritism with a narrow win over Disillusion (Profitable). “He didn’t break well and took kickback, so I let him settle and come gradually. I only saw myself winning at the line,” said jockey Ricardo Sousa, claiming his sole victory of the evening for trainer Jesús Expósito.

Three different winners (Janácek, Graberg, Sousa) meant the first division of the split handicap over 1700m, the Nembutal (1960), could prove decisive. Favorite Pinsapo (Zoustar) was turned over by Chiquitin (Study Of Man)under Italian Alberto Sanna. “The pace was very fast early and he struggled with the kickback, but when I switched him out in the straight, he picked up strongly. He’s a gladiator. It’s wonderful to ride my first winner in Spain,” celebrated Sanna.

The final race, honoring Spanish turf legend Juan Vicente Chavarrías, would settle the challenge. Janácek led Graberg by a single point going in (23 vs. 22), but Graberg reversed the order with Lady Aida, winner of the Grand Prix des Éleveurs in Morocco, who powered clear on the synthetic to seal the championship.

The first edition of the international jockeys’ championship featured riders from nine countries and offered an unforgettable show. Beyond the competitiveness, camaraderie and mutual respect reigned. Conversations in the paddock and congratulations between rivals were constant, demonstrating the true spirit of the sport. Once again, La Zarzuela confirmed its status as a key venue on the international racing calendar, setting a high bar for future editions as fans already await the 2026 renewal.