25th anniversary of historic El Condor Pasa victory in G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud
Friday, 05 July, 2024 12:36
El Condor Pasa (Photo: netkeiba)
July 4th, marks the 25th anniversary of El Condor Pasa's victory in the 1999 G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. This historic horse demonstrated that Japanese horses could compete on the European middle-distance turf circuit. On this milestone anniversary, let's look back at the race where he defeated top-class rivals like Tiger Hill, Dream Well, and Sagamix.
El Condor Pasa had won the G1 Japan Cup as a three-year-old the previous year. Following this victory, he embarked on a long-term European campaign as a four-year-old, with the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe as his ultimate goal. In April, he arrived at Tony Clout's stable in Chantilly, France, and began his European campaign with the G1 Prix d'Ispahan on May 23. He was the favourite in the local betting market and took the lead in the straight, only to be overtaken by the second favourite, Croco Rouge, and finished second by three-quarters of a length. Despite the defeat, the race showed his suitability for European turf and boosted the confidence of his connections.
He was entered in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud for his second European start on July 4. The race featured a stellar lineup, including European Horse of the Year Dream Well, Arc de Triomphe winner Sagamix, and German Horse of the Year Tiger Hill. These were some of the most prominent names in European racing. Additionally, El Condor Pasa had to carry 61 kg, a weight he rarely had to bear in Japan, making the task even more challenging.
However, El Condor Pasa positively defied expectations. He started well and tracked the leaders in fourth position. The pace was steady throughout the race. As they entered the straight, he effortlessly moved up alongside the leader, Tiger Hill, and then surged ahead. Responding to jockey Masayoshi Ebina's right-hand whip, he stretched away from the field, eventually winning by an impressive two-and-a-half lengths. This victory established El Condor Pasa as a leading contender for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and significantly boosted his connections' confidence in their European campaign.
He subsequently won the G2 Prix Foy with ease. Although he finished second to Montjeu in the highly anticipated Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, he delivered a commendable performance. His legacy continues to be celebrated, and his magnificent runs are remembered fondly by racing fans worldwide.
El Condor Pasa had won the G1 Japan Cup as a three-year-old the previous year. Following this victory, he embarked on a long-term European campaign as a four-year-old, with the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe as his ultimate goal. In April, he arrived at Tony Clout's stable in Chantilly, France, and began his European campaign with the G1 Prix d'Ispahan on May 23. He was the favourite in the local betting market and took the lead in the straight, only to be overtaken by the second favourite, Croco Rouge, and finished second by three-quarters of a length. Despite the defeat, the race showed his suitability for European turf and boosted the confidence of his connections.
He was entered in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud for his second European start on July 4. The race featured a stellar lineup, including European Horse of the Year Dream Well, Arc de Triomphe winner Sagamix, and German Horse of the Year Tiger Hill. These were some of the most prominent names in European racing. Additionally, El Condor Pasa had to carry 61 kg, a weight he rarely had to bear in Japan, making the task even more challenging.
However, El Condor Pasa positively defied expectations. He started well and tracked the leaders in fourth position. The pace was steady throughout the race. As they entered the straight, he effortlessly moved up alongside the leader, Tiger Hill, and then surged ahead. Responding to jockey Masayoshi Ebina's right-hand whip, he stretched away from the field, eventually winning by an impressive two-and-a-half lengths. This victory established El Condor Pasa as a leading contender for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and significantly boosted his connections' confidence in their European campaign.
He subsequently won the G2 Prix Foy with ease. Although he finished second to Montjeu in the highly anticipated Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, he delivered a commendable performance. His legacy continues to be celebrated, and his magnificent runs are remembered fondly by racing fans worldwide.