Spectacular scenes took place in Merano. © FOTO PRESS ARIGOSSI

Newport Bay surprises the competition

Despite the sweltering heat, the numerous spectators experienced entertaining and exciting races on Sunday in Merano.

July 28, 2024

From: pm

Newport Bay caused a big surprise in the main race for the Hotel Meranerhof prize. With the young rider Gioele Gungui in the saddle, the mare secured a completely unexpected victory with a strong finish. She left behind another outsider, Eternal Blossom (S. Del Fabbro), who came in ahead of the favorite Toussaint.

Dario Vargiu and Soprano Pechino were the big winners in the long distance of the Bolzano Prize. The multiple champion jockey landed a start-to-finish victory, holding off the strong final spurt of Storm Shelter and Maicol Arras.

Great sport in Merano. © Photo press Arigossi 2024

Mes Ailles caused a real surprise on the hurdles course of the Alberto Oppo Prize. The Czech rider Teresa Podraska led the gelding to victory with a well-timed race, beating Le Petit Nice (O. Ryzhak) from the Aichner racing stable.

The successful team around Josef Aichner, trainer Josef Vana Jr. and jockey Josef Bartos did not let the victory in the Hurdle & Chase be taken away. With a perfectly timed final spurt, Josef Bartos secured victory in the 3-year-olds' test in the saddle of the promising hurdle debutant Night Of Dreams. Second place for Secret Boss and Lenka Neprasova completed the successful team's triumph.

Favorites in front

In the amateur races on the flat track, the winners were Passito and Bull Dozer. Passito and Daniele Bernardini, who entered the race as one of the favorites, left the competition led by Beautiful Aisha in the Hotel Hohenwart prize no chance. Bull Dozer's victory in the long distance, however, was a surprise. Flaminia Garbetta and the gelding caught Kashar du Riccardo Belluco, who had already looked like the sure winners, near the finish.

Fabio Branca and Dario Vargiu came out on top in the first two flat tests of the afternoon. Fabio Branco led Fulsome, trained by Paolo Favero, to a comfortable victory in the Pasta Shop Prize. The St. Leonhard Prize, on the other hand, was hotly contested. Dario Vargiu had to use all his skills in the saddle of the favorite Lethal Dock to fend off the final attack by Garbo and Federico Bossa.