Venezuelans Land To Honor and Serve Sib

Haven’t heard of trainer Gustavo Delgado? That may soon change. Delgado, a legend in his native Venezuela, is beginning to make his mark on North American racing. In his first year in the U.S., Delgado is currently dominating the leading trainer standings at Gulfstream Park. His 18 wins is six more than the nearest challenger, and his 31% strike rate is impressive. And while the majority of Delgado’s wins have come in claiming company, he and a group of Venezuelan partners are aiming to improve their stock and, hopefully, figure in next year’s premier races. 
    To that end, Delgado signed for a pair of yearlings yesterday at Keeneland September. They included a Lane’s End-consigned Bernardini full-brother to MGISW To Honor and Serve (Bernardini) who sold for $750,000. From SW Pilfer (Deputy Minister), the colt, Hip 149, is also a half to GSP Elnaawi (Street Sense). Pilfer is herself a half to MGSW India (Hennessy). 
    “He has a stallion’s pedigree,” Delgado said through Julio Rada, one of his clients. “He will go to Florida. If we do well next spring, then we will bring a string to New York. We’re looking to build a strong stable.” 
    Delgado also signed for Hip 123, a filly by Speightstown, for $250,000. Consigned by Gerry Dilger’s Dromoland Farm, the filly was produced by Nothing to Declare (Vindication), a half to the GI Florida Derby winner Ice Box (Pulpit). 
    Delgado comes to the U.S. with strong credentials. He has saddled four Triple Crown winners in Venezuela, according to Off the Hook’s Carlos Morales, who along to partner Joe Appelbaum is helping to advise Delgado. 
    “He is the leading trainer in the history of Venezuela,” said Morales, himself a top trainer in the country before coming to the States. Morales added laughing, “I was good–he was better.” 
    Among Delgado’s best runners are the Triple Crown winner Taconeo (Ven) (Water Poet {Ire}), who twice won the Prix Simon Bolivar–Venezuela’s version of the GI Breeders’ Cup Classic–as well as the filly Bambera (Ven) (Water Poet {Ire}), herself a winner of the Bolivar. Delgado has won the race a record six times. 
    “He’s been training there for 30 years, and his clients are pushing him to come to come here and run in the big races,” explained Rada. -L Marquardt