Thor Medina stamps his G1 class to win the Batalla de Tucumán in record time
The winner of the Miguel A. Martínez de Hoz (G1), now conditioned by the Carezzana family in Río Cuarto, scored by 2 1/2 lengths under jockey Marcelo Quinteros; a crowd of over 30,000 fans packed the stands for northern Argentina's premier racing fiesta
SAN MIGUEL DE TUCUMÁN (Special for Turf Diario).— True class travels anywhere. Thor Medina, who reached the top of the mountain this season on the turf at San Isidro and carried the Argentine flag to Monterrico in Peru, found another stage this Thursday to showcase his talent. In front of a crowd exceeding 30,000 fans, he dominated the 71st running of the Gran Premio Batalla de Tucumán, delivering a performance packed with authority, emotion, and capped by a new track record.
The winner of the Gran Premio Miguel A. Martínez de Hoz (G1) secured victory by 2 1/2 lengths in northern Argentina's most prestigious race, completing the 2200 meters in a record-breaking 2:16.60. Facing a 13-horse field, he let his proven back class tell, sparking an unforgettable celebration for the team that took over his management for this new chapter in his career.
Indeed, the victory marked the beginning of a fresh campaign section. Purchased by Cordoban interests, the son of Mootasadir departed Buenos Aires to settle in Río Cuarto, where he had been under the care of Sergio Carezzana and Martín Carezzana for roughly a month. The change of scenery met with an immediate response in one of the provincial circuit's most coveted fixtures.
His presence had naturally generated immense anticipation. It is not every day that a horse arrives at the Batalla de Tucumán having captured a G1 during the same season and having represented the country in the Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1). Yet those credentials required validation on a new surface against local rivals eager to spoil the party.
Ridden by Marcelo Quinteros, Thor Medina remained engaged throughout the contest. Travel Pass (Fortify) set the early tempo, tracked closely by Ecográfico Rim (Remote), while the eventual winner established a comfortable stalking position well within striking distance.
The Cordoban jockey rationed his mount's stamina and maneuvered into optimal position before turning for home. As the field straightened into the stretch, number 4 was already looming as a major threat. All that remained was for him to unleash his kick, and he did so with devastating effect as the race reached its climax.
In the final 200 meters, Thor Medina accelerated with complete authority to put the race beyond doubt. He drew off to a decisive margin, leaving a furious battle for second behind him that could not be separated even on the line: Pepe Curdeles (Winning Prize), under José Alfredo Vizcarra, and defending champion Suffok (Forge), guided by Facundo Ricardo Morán, finished in a dead heat for the runner-up spot. Ecográfico Rim checked in fourth ahead of Endor Rye(Endorsement) and Contursi (Full Mast).
For Quinteros, who had already visited the winner's circle earlier on the card, the victory carried deep emotional weight. “In the lane I set him alight. He responded immediately and won very easily,” he explained afterwards, reflecting on the moment his mount put the race away. His excitement boiled over during the post-race parade before a packed grandstand that greeted the winner with cheers and applause.
Satisfaction was equally evident among the Carezzana father-son duo, responsible for bringing the horse to peak fitness for such a high-stakes target. Martín Carezzana highlighted the hard work involved and the gratification of landing a trophy they had long pursued, while Sergio Carezzana emphasized the lofty standing the Batalla de Tucumán holds among provincial classics.
The delegation from Río Cuarto celebrated alongside the horse's ownership group, with Freddy Torelli among those accepting the trophy. They had invested in a top-tier athlete and were rewarded with a performance that matched their highest hopes.
From the Gran Premio Miguel A. Martínez de Hoz to the Batalla de Tucumán, via international action at Monterrico, Thor Medina continues to build an exceptional season. This time, backed by a new connections, a cheering crowd, and a new track record, his G1 class was permanently etched into the history of Tucumán racing.
Comments