Royal Rimout Back to Winning Ways on a Dream Day for Lucas González

The Stud Castañón runner returned from a lengthy layoff in winning style, as apprentice rider Lucas González enjoyed a brilliant four-win afternoon

Doña Esperada Earns Third Victory, at San Isidro / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

There may not have been much in the way of quality on offer during Wednesday’s card at San Isidro, as is often the case, but the afternoon did produce a few standout performances—most notably the successful return of seasoned runner Royal Rimout (Remote) and a sparkling four-win day from apprentice rider Lucas González.

Away from the races since finishing up the track in the 2023 G1 Gran Premio Joaquín S. de Anchorena, Royal Rimoutmade a winning comeback over 1400 meters in the Premio Espíritu Gauchesco, a race for 6-year-olds and older with a minimum of three wins.

Racing in the colors of Stud Castañón, trained by Hugo Pérez and partnered by Cristian Velázquez, the 6-year-old sat well back early after being crowded at the break, swept wide around the turn to avoid traffic, and took command effortlessly from pacesetter Manicura Rusa (Zensational) at the top of the stretch before pulling away under wraps to score by five commanding lengths. Bred by Haras Firmamento, the bay stopped the clock in a sharp 1:21.91, impressive not only for the final time but also for the ease with which he handled the assignment.

Apprentice Lucas González stole plenty of the spotlight himself, racking up four wins on the day to bring his career tally to 93. With just seven more victories, he’ll reduce his weight allowance to 2kg. His run began in Race 2 aboard Palm Field (Touareg) and continued with Gifted Girl (Puerto Escondido), Don Cervantes (Treasure Beach), and Muy Leal (Equal Stripes).

Also worth noting was the performance of Doña Esperada (Fortify—Doña Ley, by Orpen), a homebred for Stud-Haras San Benito, who made short work of her rivals in the Premio Brad Check over 1400 meters to earn the third win of her career. Ridden by Fabricio Barroso and trained by Carlos D. Etchechoury, the 5-year-old mare confirmed favoritism with a dominant five-length success over Sabia Palabra (Sebi Halo) in 1:22.35.

The 14-race card generated a total handle of 406,738,367 pesos, averaging $29,052,740 per race.