GITANO Hernando gave trainer Marco Botti his first ever Grade 1 winner with a thrilling triumph in the Goodwood Stakes at Santa Anita on Saturday night (October 10).
It was a glorious victory, too, for jockey Kieren Fallon who enjoyed his first success at the highest level since returning to race-riding last month after his lengthy suspension.
Gitano Hernando, owned by Team Valor, earned his place in next month's Breeders Cup Classic as he took the scalps of Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and the favourite Colonel John with a stirring and concerted late challenge.
The son of Hernando out of the Grade 3 winner Gino's Spirit clearly relished the Santa Pro-Ride surface as he scored by a neck.
It was his forth win in seven starts and followed his convincing victory in a decent conditions event at Wolverhampton last month.
This latest win was especially satisfying as the colt was bred by Newsells Park Stud, a long-term supporter of Green Ridge Stables.
Fallon said:"He got a little tight on turn, but he wants to win - he's tough as nails."
The victory completed a fine few days for Marco and his team, who have enjoyed international success. Fasilight was on target at Wolverhampton a week earlier and Lost In The Desert won a maiden in Milan last Sunday.
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