Sinsel Survives Scare to Take the G1 Grande Prêmio Brasil

Leandro Henrique Celebrated Too Early as Sinsel Nearly Loses to Valparaíso

Leandro Henrique celebrating too early, with Valparaíso surging up the rail and just missing / JCB

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brasil (Special for Turf Diario).-In a finish for the ages, featuring 20 runners and remarkable parity, Sinsel was crowned the new king of Brazilian racing on Sunday with a thrilling victory in the 93rd edition of the Gran Premio Brasil – Shopping Leblon (G1), the nation’s most prestigious race, contested over 2400 meters on the dirt at Hipódromo da Gávea.

The win, worth R$ 322,727.32, also earned the Stud Red Rafa runner an automatic berth into the GI Breeders’ Cup Turf, to be held November 1 at Del Mar with a purse of $5 million.

Bred by Haras Fronteira P.A.P. and Rafael Steinbruch, the son of Agnes Gold was coming off a victory in the G1 Francisco Eduardo e Linneo de Paula Machado and confirmed his rising status with the biggest triumph of his career. For Red Rafa, one of the standout names of the 2024/2025 breeding season, it marked a dream victory in the race everyone wants to win.

It was also a special moment for jockey Leandro Henrique, who produced a polished ride aboard Sinsel but nearly let the prize slip away by celebrating prematurely in the final strides. Unaware of the rail-skimming surge from Valparaiso(Ay Caramba), Henrique threw his arm in the air before the wire, only for the photo finish to confirm a narrow success. The moment was doubly emotional for Henrique, who is expecting his first child in the coming days and now adds the Brasil to his résumé—a race held dear to every Brazilian rider.

Trainer Luiz Esteves once again underlined why he is regarded among the elite, capturing his sixth victory in the last ten editions of the Brasil, tying the historic record held by Ernani de Freitas and Venâncio Nahid. Esteves previously took the race with Voador Magee (Roderic O'Connor, 2017), Quarteto de Cordas (Rock of Gibraltar, 2018), George Washington (Redattore, 2019 and 2021), and Raptor’s (Hat Trick, 2023).

The early pace was set by Galo White (Goldikovic), who led from the break and was followed closely by Bourgogneand Oviedo (both by Agnes Gold), while Sinsel traveled ideally along the rail. Favored Ethereum (Courtier) moved up smoothly from mid-pack.

Turning for home, Galo White gave way, and Sinsel swept past on the outside as Ethereum and Valparaiso unleashed powerful rallies. Valparaiso found a seam along the rail and surged late, nearly spoiling the party. On the outside, Mc Arrocha (Arrocha) closed with a flourish as well. But despite the early celebration, Sinsel held on by a head under Henrique, with Wilkley Xavier, Leandro’s cousin, just missing aboard Valparaiso. Ethereum ran on well for third, Mc Arrocha settled for fourth, and pacesetter Galo White rounded out the top five.

The 2025 edition of the Gran Premio Brasil will be remembered as one of the most dramatic in the race’s storied history—defined by a pulsating stretch run, extraordinary horsemanship, and a deserving champion. Next stop for Sinsel: the world stage at Del Mar, where he’ll carry Brazilian hopes into the Breeders’ Cup Turf.