Teao, Horse of the Year in Chile, sets his sights on Japan
SANTIAGO, Chile (Special for Turf Diario).— The son of Ya Primo received the top honor awarded by the Stud Book de Chile while also earning Champion 3-Year-Old honors; he will not run today at Santa Anita Park as plans pivot toward a direct targeting of the Japan Cup (G1)
SANTIAGO, Chile (Special for Turf Diario).— The coronation found Teao far from home and with a new horizon that invites big dreams once again. The son of Ya Primo was crowned Horse of the Year by the Stud Book de Chile, standing tall as the undisputed star of a awards ceremony that honored his formidable campaign, highlighted by his triumph in the Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1).
Defending the colors of Stud El Tata, the colt also added the title of Champion 3-Year-Old Colt, securing a double that underscores the true scope of his campaign. Bred by Haras Don Alberto, he captured a landmark victory at Monterrico in Lima, Peru, that transcended Chilean borders and established him among South America's elite. That milestone victory at the Coloso de Surco marked the defining moment of a career that is now expanding into international waters.
The news of his crowning comes alongside a major shift in plans: Teao will skip Saturday's City of Hope Mile Stakes(G2) at Santa Anita Park, where he was originally slated to make his U.S. debut. Instead, connections intend to ship him directly to Japan to target the Japan Cup (G1)—a daunting objective that stands as a nearly impossible assignment, if not an outright risky decision for his future racing career.
As a result, his anticipated California debut is put on hold. The mile turf contest was intended as an initial test against local turf specialists, but the project has charted a drastically different course. Tokyo now commands the focus of a team that has already tasted continental glory and aims to test their champion on one of world racing's most demanding stages.
Confidence in Teao was also reflected off the track. According to reports in Chile, connections turned down an offer exceeding US$ 1 million from Sullivan Bloodstock—a transaction that, if completed, would have ranked among the highest-priced bloodstock sales in Chilean racing history. They chose instead to retain their champion and keep the ultimate sporting dream alive.
The annual ceremony saw other notable champions recognized, led by Eccentric (Ivan Denisovich). The Stud Haras Don Alberto homebred swept honors as both Champion 3-Year-Old Filly and Champion Older Mare, establishing her among the evening's premier double winners.
In the older male division, top honors went to Shark (Constitution), racing for Stud La Nonna Ltda., while Quiroguita (Annual Report), representing Stud Mundo Futuro H., took home the award for Champion Sprinter.
The 2-year-old division awards were divided by surface. On turf, Dastan (Tiz the Law), of Stud Dos Lagunas, earned the title for Champion 2-Year-Old Colt, while Sulis (Tacitus), racing for Stud El Mirador, was named Champion 2-Year-Old Filly. On dirt, top juvenile honors were awarded to Peatres (International Star), of Stud Maglo, and Bahía Perdida (Tiz the Law), representing Stud Vendaval.
Haras Don Alberto also celebrated breeding accolades: Mendelssohn (Scat Daddy) was named Sire of the Year, while Nadie Como Ella (Rock of Gibraltar) received Broodmare of the Year honors—a fitting tribute to the nursery where the Horse of the Year was born.
Teao walked away with the night's ultimate prize and set the stage for his next chapter. Backed by his Gran Premio Latinoamericano victory and crowned Horse of the Year, the Chilean champion now sets his sights on Japan.
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