Son of Easing Along, Argentina’s Best 2-Year-Old Colt of 2015, Euthanized Due to Ongoing Health Issues; Winner of the Gran Premio Montevideo (G1) and Gran Premio de las Américas - OSAF (G1)
Touareg touched many lives—none more profoundly than that of his owner, Gastón Arqueros, and his family. So much so that their home became a tribute to the horse of their lives, with a beautiful museum displaying his trophies, winner’s blankets, newspaper clippings, and every possible memento honoring his legacy.
At just 12 years old, the son of Easing Along passed away this Tuesday at Haras Don Florentino, where veterinarians had no choice but to put him down to spare him further suffering from his declining health.
A noble horse, stunning in appearance, and an elite runner, Touareg was crowned Argentina’s Champion 2-Year-Old Colt in 2015. He also held special meaning for his trainer, Gustavo Scarpello—not only because of his friendship with Gastón Arqueros but also because Touareg delivered him his first Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini win.
At Haras Chenaut, where he was bred, he is remembered with immense affection. The same is true for the Grimaldi family, who took a chance on him as a stallion, believing in his outstanding pedigree. In La Francia, Córdoba, the sadness over his passing is deeply felt.
Reviewing his racing career, Touareg was undefeated at two, winning his debut over 1400 meters at Palermo, followed by a victory in the Clásico Pedro M. y Manuel A. Crespo (G3), and sealing his championship season with a commanding two-length triumph in the Gran Premio Montevideo (G1) over Liberty Holiday (Harlan's Holiday), all at Palermo.
Switching from dirt to turf, he lost his perfect record in the Gran Premio Estrellas Juvenile (G1), sustaining an injury in the process. After a six-month layoff, he returned to win the Especial Sideral, but his stretch-out to 2000 meters in the Clásico Otoño (G2) did not go as planned. His team regrouped, brought him back to the mile, and were rewarded with a second G1 victory, this time in the Gran Premio de las Américas - OSAF (G1). It would be the last major triumph of his career, as health issues began to take their toll, preventing him from regaining top form.
A grandson of the legendary Potridee (Potrillazo), Touareg sired only a handful of runners but already produced seven winners, including the stakes-winning Gritalo Gringo and the talented Cosita de Lobos and No Lo Soñé.
Touareg is gone, but his legacy as a remarkable horse who touched so many lives remains—undoubtedly his greatest gift.
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