Merano proves to be a crowd puller

The equestrian season opened at the racecourse in Merano on the Easter weekend.

20 April 2025

From: pm

The highlight of the day came in the final race—the Steeplechase for four-year-olds. Lenka Neprasova secured a brilliant victory aboard the impressive Corail Noir, a black-brown gelding with superb conformation (superbly presented by trainer Semenka). After charging the leading Cheeky Blimey, he pulled away in a commanding solo run, jumping the Merano Steeple obstacles with impressive ease.

Bellodam, Josef Aichner's new French hope, also delivered a cautious but promising performance in his Merano debut, finishing on the heels of the winner. Two promising riders for the rest of the season are Corail Noir, the colors of Magog—a symbol of Axel and Alexandra Ambruschitz's passion—making a comeback in Merano.

Double blow for Aichner and Vana Jr.

Ricky Belluco achieved a double victory and a perfect run through the flat races – as the ideal jockey for his horses King Collector and Maponus. The team of owner Josef Aichner and trainer Josef Vana Jr. also celebrated a double victory: In the steeplechase for older horses, a fierce duel between Madrilene and Marco Biffi's exciting newcomer, Monster Caroli (who fell behind due to a mistake at the big hedge jump), paved the way for the late finish of Grand de Thaix – strongly ridden by Lucas Matusky – the less favored of the two Aichner starters.

The second victory for the yellow and black colors went to soprano Meneghino with Josef Bartos in the saddle. The duo of Raffaele Romano and Gabriele Agus opened the race with the up-and-coming hurdler Dagoberto.

Schlagwörter: Equestrian Merano equestrian