The fantastic Clapton AJRA, under the excellent driving of Idevaldo Silva and training of Oberdan S. Pereira, won with 8 ½ lengths of advantage in a close dispute over the second place, Obstinado Rach, the Grand Prix Paulo Jamil Saliba, first race of the 2023 calendar of UAE President Cup South America Mondial Brazil and first Arabian Horse Triple Crown Classic 2023.
Disputed over 1,400 meters on dirt, the race had the participation of seven champion animals, males and females 3-years-old and older, who competed on May 13 in the GPs Wathba Stallions Cup at Cidade Jardim Racecourse, Jockey Club de São Paulo.
GP Paulo Jamil Saliba’s victory was a special achievement for breeder and owner Almir José Ribeiro as it was the first race on a dirt track for Clapton AJR, who demonstrated his talent on both turf and dirt tracks. In addition to being a well-balanced race because he disputed the first place with Obstinado Rach, a horse that responds very well on dirt and with five victories.
With this achievement, Clapton AJR adds six races with five wins and a second place under his belt.
Normandy Rach, winner of the May 13 Wathba Stallions Cup for Fillies I race, crossed in third place.
“I am very happy with the victory of Clapton AJR who showed in this race to be a good horse on the dirt track and beating the favorite Obstinado Rach was exciting. Congratulations to all our team that prepared the horse and left him in conditions to, once again, win this great prize”, said Almir José Ribeiro.
Trainer Oberdan S. Pereira said: “It all worked out as he returned in excellent condition from his last race two weeks ago. It was a great achievement because it is his first sand race and Clapton AJR has proved he is a champion horse.”
Experienced jockey Idevaldo Silva declared: “Clapton AJR is a confident horse that has shown to be good in the sand as well. From the start I knew that when I needed him he would respond and at the entrance to the straight we approached the first place, we dominated with ease and guaranteed the victory.”
The Grand Prix is the first classic of the 2023 Arabian Horse Triple Crown, a fair and deserved tribute to the breeder Paulo Jamil Saliba, ambassador and great person responsible for the return and success of Arabian horse racing in Brazil, who unfortunately left us in March of this year.
