The saga of White Abarrio is a captivating tale that mirrors the essence of horse racing’s unpredictable yet thrilling nature. This colt’s journey from a promising newcomer to a dominating presence in the Thoroughbred racing scene is a testament to the collaboration between innate talent and meticulous cultivation of skill. His evolution from those initial victories at Gulfstream Park to becoming a multiple Grade I winner is a testament to his development, adaptability, and the skill of his team.
From 2021 to 2023, this colt’s journey through time has been a splendid display of equine brilliance. Starting his career with back-to-back wins is no small feat, especially at a competitive venue like Gulfstream Park in Florida. His victory in the Florida Derby in 2022 marked him as a significant contender, showcasing his ability to compete and triumph against top-tier three-year-olds and where this equine prodigy’s strategic acumen truly shone. Positioned modestly in fifth at the half-mile mark, White Abarrio didn’t rush or dawdle. Like a skilled conductor timing the crescendo, he paced himself impeccably around the far turn, then with a spectacular surge, he clinched victory, crafting the final brushstrokes of his racetrack masterpiece.
His performance at the Florida Derby set the stage, but his astounding evolution through 2023, culminating in the Breeders’ Cup Classic victory, truly showcased his exceptional prowess. The four-year-old marvel captured the prestigious Whitney Stakes at the revered Saratoga, and then, under the enchanting California skies, he clinched the ultimate gem – the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita, a stage where equine dreams are realized. White Abarrio’s transformation from a budding contender to a monarch of the meadow is a tale of unyielding progression. Initially, White Abarrio was a promising horse, yet not quite the powerhouse to threaten the titans at the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, only a mere silhouette of potential. But as the seasons changed, the tables turned in 2023, and he emerged rejuvenated, his brilliance intensifying, heralding an epic journey to soar even higher. It speaks to the unpredictable nature of horse racing, where a horse can find that extra gear, that additional burst of speed and stamina, propelling them from being merely good to truly great.
As we look to the future, pondering what lies ahead for White Abarrio is exhilarating. The indication that White Abarrio is still improving is thrilling, suggesting that we might see even more impressive performances, more broken records, and more exciting moments on the track.
White Abarrio’s approach to the race is a masterclass in patience and timing, qualities that mark not just a champion racer but a creature of almost philosophical profundity. The way he conserves his energy, only to unleash his full power in a defining crescendo, speaks to an understanding of the race that transcends mere physical capability. Chip Dutrow’s comparison of White Abarrio to the legendary Saint Liam adds a layer of historical resonance to this narrative. It’s a testament to White Abarrio’s potential to carve out a legacy that could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the titans of the turf.
Horse Profile
- Foaled: March 18, 2019
- Bred: Kentucky
- Sex: Colt
- Debuted: 2021
- Retired: N/A
- Death: N/A
- Color and Markings: Gray/roan
- Sire: Race Day
- Dam: Catching Diamonds
- Owners:
- Clap Embroidery (until Sept. 2021)
- C2 Racing Stable & La Milagrosa Stable (Sept. 2021 – Sept. 2022)
- C2 Racing Stable & Antonio Pagnano (Dec. 2022 – Present)
- Breeder: Spendthrift Farm
- Trainer:
- Carlos Perez (until Sept. 2021)
- Saffie Joseph Jr. (Oct. 2021 – May 2023)
- Richard E. Dutrow Jr. (May 2023 – Present)
- Primary/ Regular Jockeys: Tyler Gaffalione; Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Characteristics
- White Abarrio’s running style is an early speed yet does not need an early lead to progress. An example is when they raced in the Florida Derby, where he was initially fifth after a half-mile and then made his move on the far turn, winning the race afterward.
- Chip Dutrow, the wise sage of the stables, often speaks of White Abarrio with high regard, likening him to the legendary Saint Liam, hinting at the extraordinary potential yet to be fully unveiled.
- But White Abarrio isn’t just about athletic excellence; he carries an unmistakable charisma, a star quality that shines brightly under the race-day limelight. With each camera flash, he seems to understand the magnetism of his presence, posing with a self-awareness that borders on the human, a nod to the compelling allure of his persona.
Major Won Races
- Holy Bull Stakes (2022)
- Florida Derby (2022)
- Whitney Stakes (2023)
- Breeders' Cup Classic (2023)
Achievements
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White Abarrio has three triple-digit Beyer figures in his career.
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White Abarrio got a 110 Beyer Speed Figure from Daily Racing Form, and TimeformUS awarded the gray 4-year-old colt a 132.
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White Abarrio is the highest-rated older horse in the Longines Breeders' Cup Classic Rankings and fourth overall behind 3-year-olds Arcangelo, Geaux Rocket Ride, and Arabian Knight.
Rankings
- He ranked 31st by Earnings in 2022
- He ranked 3rd by Earnings in 2023
White Abarrio Connections
- Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
- Tyler Gaffalione’s best race aboard White Abarrio was the Curlin Florida Derby race presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa. They won $831,600.
- He ranked 2nd in earnings and 3rd in wins in 2023.
- He ranked 4th in earnings and 5th in wins in 2022.
- Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
- Ortiz’s 2023 season was highlighted by his second win in the Breeders’ Cup Classic aboard White Abarrio with prize money worth $6 million.
- He ranked 1st in earnings and wins in 2023
- Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr.
- Saffie Joseph Jr. was suspended on May 4, 2023, by Churchill Downs Inc. after two of his horses broke down at Churchill Downs. Without any leg injuries, the horses just collapsed and died. The owners decided to look for other trainers for their horses and then moved White Abarrio to Richard Dutrow Jr.‘s stable.
- Trainer: Richard E. Dutrow Jr.
- Ironically, his next Trainer, Dutrow Jr., also came off after a 10-year suspension. The New York racing officials charged him with medication and administrative violations, including finding syringes with unauthorized medicine in his barn. Dutrow’s suspension ended on January 17, 2023, and White Abarrio was transferred to Dutrow’s barn on May 23, 2023.
- Although Dutrow might have a bad reputation in terms of pharmaceutical usage, his talent in training horses cannot be denied as well. His trainees earned over $87 million between 1979 and 2013 and won multiple graded stakes, including three Breeders’ Cup races and the 2008 Kentucky Derby with Big Brown.
- White Abarrio immediately improved when trained by Dutrow, finishing third in the Met Mile and then winning the Whitney Handicap and the Breeder’s Classic.
- He ranked 26th in earnings in 2023.
- Owner: Clap Embroidery; C2 Racing Stable & La Milagrosa Stable; C2 Racing Stable & Antonio Pagnano
- Carlos Perez first trained white Abarrio through his company, Clap Embroidery. After winning his maiden race, he was sold privately to C2 Racing Stable, which Clint and Mark Cornett own. The original owners retained a share through La Milagrosa Stable.
- The partnership had changed the trainer to Saffie Joseph Jr., and White Abarrio won his second Grade I victory (Florida Derby) under Joseph’s training routines.
- In December 2021, the ownership registration was adjusted to C2 Racing Stable & Antonio Pagnano.
- C2 Racing Stable is owned and operated by brothers Clint Cornett and Mark Cornett.
Racing Career
| Record | Earnings | Fastest Beyer Speed | Highest E Speed Figure |
|---|---|---|---|
15: 7-1-3 | $4,946,350 | 110 | 121 |
| WON RACES | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date | Distance | Race | Grade | Track | Finish | Winning Time | Winning Margin | Jockey |
2021 – Two-year-old season | ||||||||
September 24, 2021 | 6 ½ furlongs | Maiden Special Weight | Gulfstream Park | 1 | 1:17.19 | 6 ¾ lengths | Angel Arroyo | |
October 29, 2021 | 1 mile | Allowance | Gulfstream Park | 1 | 1:36.74 | 4 lengths | Edgard Zayas | |
2022-Three-year-old season | ||||||||
February 5, 2022 | 1 1/16 miles | Holy Bull Stakes | III | Gulfstream Park | 1 | 1:42.80 | 4 ½ lengths | Tyler Gaffalione |
April 2, 2022 | 1 ⅛ miles | Florida Derby | I | Gulfstream Park | 1 | 1:50.64 | 1 ¼ lengths | Tyler Gaffalione |
2023-Four-year-old season | ||||||||
March 4, 2023 | 7 furlongs | Allowance | Gulfstream Park | 1 | 1:22.05 | 4 ½ lengths | Tyler Gaffalione | |
August 5, 2023 | 1 ⅛ miles | Whitney Stakes | I | Saratoga | 1 | 1:48.45 | 6 ¼ lengths | Irad Ortiz Jr. |
November 4, 2023 | 1 ¼ miles | Breeders’ Cup Classic | I | Santa Anita | 1 | 2:02.87 | 1 length | Irad Ortiz Jr. |
| LOST RACES | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date | Distance | Race | Grade | Track | Placement | Time | Lossing Margin | Jockey |
2021 – Two-year-old season | ||||||||
November 27, 2021 | 1 1/16 miles | Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes | II | Churchill Downs | 3 | 1:43.94 | (6 lengths) | Edgard Zayas |
2022-Three-year-old season | ||||||||
May 7, 2022 | 1 ¼ miles | Kentucky Derby | I | Churchill Downs | 16 | 2:02.61 | (20 lengths) | Tyler Gaffalione |
June 25, 2022 | 1 ⅛ miles | Ohio Derby | III | Thistledown | 2 | 1:10.46 | (1 length) | Tyler Gaffalione |
July 23, 2022 | 1 ⅛ miles | Haskell Stakes | I | Monmouth Park | 7 | 1:46.24 | (34 ¼ lengths) | Joel Rosario |
September 24, 2022 | 1 ⅛ miles | Pennsylvania Derby | I | Parx Racing | 5 | 1:48.67 | (8 lengths) | Luis Saez |
December 3, 2022 | 1 mile | Cigar Mile Handicap | I | Aqueduct | 3 | 1:35.53 | (½ length) | Irad Ortiz Jr. |
2023-Four-year-old season | ||||||||
January 29, 2023 | 1 ⅛ miles | Pegasus World Cup | I | Gulfstream Park | 8 | 1:49.44 | (13 ½ lengths) | Tyler Gaffalione |
June 10, 2023 | 1 mile | Metropolitan Handicap | I | Belmont Park | 3 | 1:34.36 | (3 ¼ lengths) | Tyler Gaffalione |
Pedigree
SIRE: RACE DAY
- After winning his first three starts – White Abarrio’s father Race Day – he went on to win the Oaklawn H. (G2), Fayette (G2), and Razorback (G3) at age four. He won six of his 12 career starts, with all his wins coming at one mile or more. It entails that he is a horse with stamina.
- Race Day is a son of Tapit, and one of his traits is stamina. Tapit is the king of the Belmont with four winners and the broodmare sire of 13 Grade I winners. He broke a North American sire’s single-season progeny earnings record in three consecutive years (2014-2016). He also broke Danzig‘s 24-year-old single-season progeny earnings.
DAM: CATCHING DIAMONDS
- Catching Diamond‘s sire, Into Mischief, has become North America‘s top stallion, leading all sires the last three years. His sons Authentic and Mandaloun have had the previous two Kentucky Derby races. Into Mischief is also famous for passing on stamina.